Lesson 4: So Many Choices, So Many Myths - Making An Informed Choice
Making A Choice
The best way to choose which method of birth control might be best for you is to gather as much information as you can about each possible method. You need to weigh the pros and cons, possible side effects, and the method's effectiveness before you can narrow your list of possibles down to two or three. Your best sources for information include web sites that discuss all methods, individual product web sites, family and friends, and books.
Making a choice can be easier if you know what you want or don't want from your birth control method. Many women will not choose Depo-Provera or Lunelle because they do not want to receive an injection. Some women may know that they and their partners no longer want children so sterilization may be their best choice. Other women may want a 'short term' method like the pill or patch because they are spacing their children. You must look at your relationship as well. Condoms may be the best choice if you are not in a stable, monogamous relationship.
Once you have gathered information about the different methods and have narrowed your choices down, you should sit down with your partner and discuss them. Your partner, especially if you are in a stable and monogamous relationship should share the birth control responsibility and choice. Your partner may have different concerns than you do, and the best way to decide on a method that will work for both of you is to talk about it.
After you have narrowed down your choices to one or two possibilities, it is time to see your doctor and have an exam done. Your doctor will be able to tell you if the method you want to use will work for you, how to use the method correctly, and how often you should return for follow up appointments and exams.
One of the biggest reasons that birth control fails is because it was not used correctly. For your method to be as effective as possible, you must use it correctly. You must also remember that no method is 100% effective, so an accidental pregnancy can happen. If you use your method of birth control as directed, your chances of an accidental pregnancy are much lower than if you use no method at all. If you are not sure that your method is working, see your doctor and use a back-up method as well.
Making a second or third choice due to side effects or ineffectiveness of your original method is similar to making the initial choice. There are differences though, and these include making a list of the side effects you experienced and how severe they were on a scale of 1 (very mild) to 5 (very severe). Make the list before you see your doctor about a new method, because once you get to the office it is easy to forget what you were going to say and ask about. You can discuss with your doctor the side effects you experienced, their severity, and ask about other methods that might work for you and if any similar side effects have been reported to the doctor.
Hopefully you will be able to walk into your appointment with at least two alternative choices that will work with your lifestyle and will not cause the side effects that you experienced with your previous methods. Remember though, you must use the new method for at least three months before you will know if the side effects are temporary and will go away as your body adjusts to the method.
The only times you should stop using any birth control method are
- when you want to conceive
- when the side effects are severe
- when directed to do so by your doctor
If the side effects from your birth control method are severe, stop using the method immediately and use a non-hormonal method instead (condoms) until you can see your doctor and find a new method.
