Articles
Birth control options: Things to consider
Content
What birth control options are available?
How do the different birth control options work?
What is the method's effectiveness?
Is it reversible?
Is it compatible with your religious beliefs or cultural practices?
Is it convenient and affordable?
What are the side effects?
Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections?
Does it offer other benefits?
Is it acceptable to your sexual partner?
What's the bottom line?
What is the method's effectiveness?
To be effective, any method of contraception must be used consistently and correctly. Contraceptives that require little effort on your part, such as IUDs, contraceptive implants and sterilization, are associated with lower pregnancy rates. In contrast, methods that require monitoring fertility or periodic abstinence are associated with higher pregnancy rates.