Choose A Method That Suits You!
Once you decide to be sexually active and you are not ready to have a baby, you
need to choose a method of birth control. When choosing a method of birth
control there are many things to consider - how it affects your body and how
well it works are two things that concern people the most.
Birth Control or Contraception
It is true that some methods of birth control can cause side effects but the
risks of serious complications are rare. In fact, for most women, any form of
birth control has fewer risks than pregnancy and childbirth. It's important to
find out what the side effects of each method of birth control are. Learn how
such things as smoking or certain medical conditions might increase your chances
of complications.
Even the most reliable method of birth control is never 100% safe. To improve
how well a method works you must follow the instructions carefully and use it
faithfully each and every time. Make certain you're comfortable with the method
you select. A female who does not like to touch her genital area will have
difficulty using an IUD, diaphragm or foam. Likewise, a male who has never been
taught how to use condoms properly, or does not like the way they feel, is
unlikely to use them each and every time.
Talk with your partner about your choice 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.
Other factors that might make one method preferable to another include your age,
whether you smoke, if you have had a child, other birth control methods you have
used in the past and how long you need to use birth control.
Beware of so-called birth control methods which just do not work, such as
douching, and breast feeding. These are not reliable methods of birth control.
Did you know that pregnancy can happen:
- the first time you have intercourse,
- while you are on your period,
- even if your partner pulls out before he ejaculates,
- whether a woman has an orgasm or not,
- despite myths that you can't get pregnant having intercourse standing up or
under water,
In fact, a woman can get pregnant even if she does not have actual intercourse!
Any position that just brings the penis in contact with the opening of the
vagina can result in pregnancy.
Ask yourself, is it really worth taking a chance? What would you do if you had
an unplanned pregnancy right now? How would this change your plans you have for
the future? It may take time to feel comfortable talking to your partner about
birth control, or a possible pregnancy, but it is so important.
Here are some things to think about:
- Are you protected from both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections?
- How often do you have intercourse?
- Do you have more than one partner?
- Is your method of birth control easily available? (Can you get it when you
need it?)
- Do you always use a condom with your other method to help prevent STI's.
- What's the cost of your method?
- Are there side effects?
- How comfortable/easy is it to use?
No single birth control method is best for everyone. It's an individual choice.
Remember.... no method of birth control is 100% safe except abstinence.
Whatever your situation, get all the facts. For more information: call The
Health Action Line at 1-800-660-5853.
●
To the top
Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit -
Home Page 