There are many forms of birth control out there, yet chances are you haven’t gotten around to trying each one. In this post, I will give you tips to find the right fit for birth control that will help you feel confident and comfortable. If you’ve been trying to find the best birth control option to coincide with your unique body and lifestyle, you’ve come to the right place. And no, we’re not just talking about the pill.
1. Get familiar with your options
There are 12 methods of birth control that are widely known and accepted by organizations such as Planned Parenthood. Make sure to do your research on all of these options. There’s no need to limit yourself. Regarding reviews, Quora and Reddit are sites that people have opened up on to discuss their experiences; however, the people in your life are excellent sources of advice as well.
2. Assess your needs
Here are a few things to think about:
Not all birth controls are equally effective. You will want to know how effective your chosen method has proven to be, and there is plenty of information about this available online or from your doctor.
Some birth control methods strongly affect hormonal balance and may affect your menstrual cycle, and others do not contain hormones to work effectively. If you have had experience with hormonal birth control in the past, consider how this affected you and whether this is a sustainable option for you.
Birth control methods like the pill or the ring require pharmacy visits every 1-3 months. Other forms, like the implant or IUD, can be inserted for years without requiring any maintenance. Consider how regular visits to the pharmacy will affect your life and how long you want this birth control method to last.
3. Consult your doctor
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have about starting a new form of birth control. Make sure to inquire about what method is suitable for you, given your state of health and any important medical history. If you don’t want to go to your regular physician, you can also go to a local health center, women’s clinic, or reproductive health organization.
4. Try something out and stick with it
After beginning a new birth control method, many physicians will advise you to wait a period of time to assess its side effects, usually around six months. In some cases, initial side effects may die down, and you may begin to feel better about your birth control. Other times, you will find it is incompatible with your body and need to remove it. I am not a doctor, but I would advise you to be very open with a medical professional about any side effects you are experiencing and how to best deal with them.
5. Consider new options if you are unhappy with your current method
Many people try multiple forms of birth control in response to changing situations in their life. If you have any concerns, ask a doctor about switching birth control methods so you may find the best option for you.