When it comes to choosing the type of birth control that you want to take, you may feel extremely overwhelmed with the amount of options that you have at your fingertips. However, if you are open with your gynecologist about your individual needs and your lifestyle, then you can make a well-informed decision regarding your sexual health moving forward.

Why Are You Deciding to Take Birth Control?

Many women choose to start birth control as a means of preventing pregnancy. However, there are also other reasons to start taking birth control, such as to reduce menstrual symptoms, regulate menstruation, or control endometriosis.

Which Birth Control Method Best Fits Your Lifestyle?

There are many different types of birth control, and each one has its pros and cons based on different lifestyles. For instance, if you lead a hectic lifestyle that may lead you to forgetting to take a pill on a daily basis, you may find that an implant, IUD, or shot is the best option for you. If you plan to try to conceive in the foreseeable future, then you will want to opt for a method that can easily be reversed.

What Are the Side Effects of Birth Control?

Some types of birth control, such as the ones that influence the hormones, may have certain side effects like cramping, headaches, weight gain, skin changes, and depression. Depending on your health, routine, and tolerance levels, you may or may not experience these side effects or be able to tolerate some of them better than others.

How Many Active Sexual Partners Do You Have?

If you have multiple sexual partners, you will want to ensure that you are protecting yourself not only against pregnancy but also against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In this instance, it will likely be recommended that you use a contraceptive as well as a condom when engaging in sexual intercourse. If you are engaged in an exclusive relationship with an individual that has undergone STD testing (that has come back negative), then you may opt to only use a non-barrier birth control method like the patch, pill, shot, or an IUD.

Do You Have Existing Health Conditions?

If you have been diagnosed with certain health conditions, you may need to cross off certain birth control methods. For instance, women with a history of certain types of cancers, stroke, or blood clots should avoid taking hormonal birth control.

If you need help choosing a birth control method, contact a gynecologist near you.