Personal considerations: The best birth control method is the one that fits with your goals, values, preferences, and lifestyle. What matters most to a person when considering a birth control method will naturally change over time. If you are considering using a birth control method, take a minute and ask yourself the following questions:
- Have I had problems or become pregnant using this method before?
- Will I have trouble remembering to use this method?
- Am I opposed to using this method because of any religious or moral beliefs?
- Is my partner opposed to this method?
- If I use this method, am I at risk of being exposed to HIV (the AIDS virus) or other sexually transmitted diseases?
- Will using this method embarrass me?
- Will this method embarrass my partner?
- Will I have trouble using this method correctly?
- If this method interrupts love making, will I avoid using it?
- Am I taking this method without my partner’s knowledge?
- Am I afraid of using this method?
- Do I still have unanswered questions about this method?
Most people will answer “yes” to a few of these questions but in general, if you had a lot of “yes” answers, you may be less likely to use this method correctly every time you have sex. Talk to a healthcare provider to help you decide whether to use this method or how to use it so that it will be effective for you. Because no birth control method (except abstinence) is 100% effective, there are other questions you might want to explore:
- How would I cope with an unwanted pregnancy?
- What are my feelings and beliefs about being a parent? Does my partner agree?
- What are my feelings and beliefs about abortion? Does my partner agree?
- What are my feelings and beliefs about adoption? Does my partner agree?
- How would my partner cope with an unwanted pregnancy?
