Choosing a Birth
Control Method
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a method of birth
control:
Effectiveness
If you think that an unplanned pregnancy right now would be potentially
upsetting, then you want to make sure you choose a highly effective method.
For each method you are considering, look at the number of pregnancies in 100
women using that method over a 1 year time period. An effectiveness chart has
been provided for your convenience in this interactive tool.
Permanence
When choosing a birth control method, it is important to consider whether or
not you want to have children in the future. If you would like to have children,
it is also important to consider when or how soon after using a method you
would like to get pregnant. There are many effective options for short term,
long term, and even permanent methods of birth control. To learn more, talk to
your doctor about which type of birth control may be best for you.
Prevention of HIV and other STIs
Many methods of birth control do not offer protection against HIV and other
sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you want protection against HIV and
other STIs, condoms (male and female) are generally the best choice. Condoms
can be used in addition to another method that may not protect against HIV
and STIs. Talk with your doctor about ways to prevent HIV and STIs.
Health Risks
Another important consideration when choosing birth control is whether or not
there are any health risks associated with that method. For example, birth
control pills are not recommended for women who smoke and are over the age
of 35. Your doctor can help you evaluate your health risks for each of the
methods you are considering. It is important to be honest with your doctor
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when providing information about your health and/or lifestyle. Remember,
your doctor is there to help you make an informed decision.
Side Effects
Some methods of birth control can cause side effects such as nausea,
headaches, increased blood pressure, and breast tenderness. Be sure to ask
your doctor about the possible side effects for the methods you are
considering.
Partner Involvement
Your choice of birth control may be affected by your partner's willingness to
accept and support a given method. If you would prefer to to keep your method
private from a partner, talk to your doctor about what options you may have.
Additionally, if a partner is unwilling to take an active and supportive role, you
may want to reconsider that sexual relationship.
Availability/Access
Some methods of birth control are more easily accessible than others. Many
forms of birth control require a prescription or medical insertion by a doctor. If
you are not comfortable with visiting a health care provider to get your birth
control, then you may want to explore which methods are available in-store and
over-the-counter. If you are a minor, it is also important to know if a method
requires parental consent.
Cost
The cost of birth control may be an important consideration for many people
when choosing a method. These costs are not always covered by your health
insurance or Medicaid. Check with your insurance company regarding their
coverage on different methods of birth control. If your insurance does not
cover these costs, speak with your doctor and explore your options. Also,
sometimes paying more up-front for a longer-term method may be more costeffective in the long run than less expensive methods.
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Consider how comfortable you feel using a method of birth control. If you are
not comfortable with or might not consistently use a birth control method,
your risk of unintended pregnancy is higher. Ask yourself these questions to
help you decide which birth control method is right for you.
Yes
1. There are many reasons that individuals use birth control.
Is the main reason you are seeking birth control to avoid
unintended pregnancy?
2. Do you want to get pregnant in the next year?
3. Do you want protection from HIV and other sexually
transmitted infections?
4. Are you comfortable with needles?
5. Are you allergic to latex?
6. Do you smoke cigarettes?
7. Are you comfortbale with using hormones for birth control?
8. Will you quit a method if it makes your menstrual periods
longer or increases cramping?
9. Would you remember to take a pill every day?
10. Would you feel comfortable touching yourself to put a
birth conrol method in place? (ie. inserting it in your vagina)
11. Would it be okay if you had to stop play for a couple of
minutes to put your birth control method in place?
12. Is it important for you to keep your method of birth
control private from your partner?
13. Would your partner be willing to use condoms?
14. Would it be okay if you had to go to a health care
provider to get your birth control?
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No
Yes
No
15. Do you have health insurance that covers birth control?
16. If you do not have health insurance or your insurance plan
does not cover birth control, can you afford to pay up to $750
upfront for a long-term birth control method?
17. If you cannot afford to pay $750 upfront, how much
can you afford to pay per month for birth control?
Please bring a copy of this survey to your next appointment.
Print Form
Disclaimer: This document is for informational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of the
care and attention of your personal physician or other professional medical services. Talk with your
doctor if you have questions about individual health concerns or specific treatment options.
© 2011 The Regents of the University of Michigan
Reviewers: Susan Ernst, M.D.; Deborah Smith
Last Revised: 04/2011
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