Choose a Method that Suits You!

Once you decide to become sexually active but are not ready to have a baby, you need to choose a method of birth control. When choosing a method of contraception, there are many things to consider including:

• How it will affect your body
• How effective it is
• Your health and medical history
• Your lifestyle
• Your age
• Whether you smoke
• Whether you already have children
• How long you plan to use the birth control method

The best choice is what feels right for you and your partner, and what will be most effective in preventing a pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Talk with your partner about your choice of birth control and the possible effects they may have on you and on your enjoyment of sex. The more you both know about the method, the more likely you will both take some responsibility to make it work.

Did you know that pregnancy can happen…

• the first time you have sex
• while you are on your period
• even if your partner pulls out before he ejaculates (withdrawal)
• whether a woman has an orgasm or not

In fact, it is even possible to get pregnant without having sex! Any position that just brings the penis in contact with the opening of the vagina can result in pregnancy.

No single birth control method is right for everyone. Talk with your health care provider about your choices, and discuss contraception with your partner before making a decision. Here are some more questions to ask yourself when making a decision about birth control:

• Will it protect me from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections?
• How often am I planning to have sex?
• Is the method of birth control easily available? (Can you get it when you need it?)
• How much does it cost?
• Are there any side effects?
• How easy or difficult is it to use?
• Still having trouble making a decision?

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the many different choices available to you, complete an interactive questionnaire designed to help you find the best contraceptive option for your needs.

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