Birth Control Options
Barrier Methods
Emergency Contraception
Hormonal Methods
Natural Methods
Permanent Methods
Other
There are many types of contraceptive methods to choose from.
Here are some questions to consider when choosing a contraceptive method.
- Accessibility: Do you have to purchase the method in advance? Will the method work right away or do you have to wait? Does it require a prescription?
- Values and Beliefs: Does this method agree with you and your partner’s beliefs?
- Cost: Can you afford this method? Does your health insurance provide any coverage?
- Responsibility: Is this method solely your responsibility? Will your partner also be using a method? Will you and your partner share the cost?
- Safety: Are there any side effects? What health risks might there be? Can your partner be affected by any risks?
- Reversibility: How long will it take before you return to being fertile?
- STI protection: Does this method protect against any STI’s? If not, will you and your partner use an additional method to protect against them?
- Effectiveness: What is the effectiveness rate for this method? Will you and your partner use an additional method to increase effectiveness?