Birth Control: Pills, Patches, and Rings- Oh My!

Let’s face it: if you’re heterosexual, sexually active, and don’t want to get pregnant, a method of birth control is pretty much a necessity. It’s definitely the safe, smart choice. The average person choosing a method, however, may easily be overwhelmed by all of the options available at doctors' offices and clinics. I’ve been fascinated by/obsessed with said options since FMF’s Medical Director, Dr. Beth Jordan, gave the interns a lecture about modern birth control methods and how they work!

When choosing a method of birth control, there are several factors to consider: frequency, cost, percentage of effectiveness, reaction to hormones, etc. Fear of needles, memory, and a desire to have a menstrual period are also important when consulting your health care provider and making the decision.

I think it’s amazing that there seems to be an option for almost everyone. If you don’t have a good memory or have a problem with needles, you could consider the birth control injection. If you do have a good memory and want to stop taking birth control at your discretion, then the daily pill would be worth exploring. If you want a method with less maintenance and don’t mind inserting or monitoring something on your own, then the birth control ring or patch are potentially great choices.

Planned Parenthood has a fun, short quiz that you can take to figure out what method(s) may be good for you. It is in no way prescribing medical advice, but just allows you to find some options to consider before you consult a health care provider about a method!
If you’re looking for a method, take the quiz now….I might have already taken it five times.

*photo compliments of tellthemsc, flickr