So You're Thinking About Birth Control...

With so many options it can be challenging deciding what method is perfect for you so I have a guide to help you decide.

What is birth control? Birth control, also known as contraceptives, in simplest terms is the use of different medication, devices, and/or practices to limit pregnancy.

Warning: Before selecting a method it is important to know that everyone's body is different and responds differently to different methods. It is a process, so if something is not working for you do not get discouraged just keep trying new options and talking to your gynecologist.

"How do I know what method is best for me? "

Here are some questions to help you choose.

Finding the best method for you is a personal journey. Before you can pick a method that you need to understand your lifestyle and your needs so the method that you choose is best fit for you, so here are a great list of questions to ask yourself before deciding:

• Why are you using birth control?

I first began started taking birth control to manage my period symptoms, but as I my relationship became more serious I wanted to start on a method before we made it to that step. If you can not answer this question of why YOU are using birth control you should probably wait before starting. Your reasoning should never be because you are pleasing someone else.

• How much money do you have to cover the cost of birth control? Can insurance help? Are there any grants available?

As a broke college student, I knew whatever method I decided to use could not be expensive because I would be paying for it myself. My insurance helped covered both methods of birth control so I ended up only paying $5/month which is about $60/year. My college offered a grant for long-acting reversible birth control (IUDs/Implants), LARC, for students who's insurance did not cover the cost so I was able to get both my IUD and Implant for free.

If you are concerned about pricing due to financial issues, lack of insurance, Planned Parenthood is a perfect place to look as they often offer reduced rates for people without insurance. Your state health department is also a great place to look. South Carolina DHEC offers Family Planning Services, you can follow this link for more information.

• How consistent are you with following a routine? Is getting the birth control easily accessible and can fit into your schedule?

Lots of methods require constant attention ranging from daily use to use in every sexual act to once every 10 years. I was horrible at taking a pill daily, so the birth control pill was not for me. I am usually very busy so I wanted a method that did not require much attention, a method that would last, and take away human error so I went for a LARC that would last for years. Also, keep in mind about how often you can go to pick up our method. At my specific pharmacy when I was on the pill I could only get a months supply of pills, so I would need to go once a month to the pharmacy. On the IUD and Implant, after the insertion, I am only responsible for check ups once a year.

Be aware of how consistent you are with keeping up with a routine. Birth control options that require more attention and human interaction increases the risk of error. Therefore, be honest with yourself and do some serious reflecting. Birth control is a commitment no matter what option you take, but decide how much responsibility and time you want to put into the process.

• Are there any health concerns that could limit your birth control options? Are there any medications that you are taking that can affect the effectiveness of your birth control?

When I was a senior in high school I discovered that I have some symptoms that align with lupus as well as have some concerning blood work that could eventually develop into lupus. My rheumatologist did not want me to be taking estrogen due to the possibility of it causing blood clots. This limited my birth control options, but my gynecologist had a chart with list of conditions and birth control methods that are okay with that condition. It is very important to discuss any health concerns with you health care practitioner so they can lead you the right direction. Also, discuss with your health care provider about the different medications you are on as some of them can reduce the effectiveness of your birth control such as antibiotics.

Next Step...Research

Once you have answers to why you want birth control, get a better understanding of what your lifestyle is like, and what your needs are then you can begin your research into what method is best for you. It can be overwhelming seeing a list of all the methods so being able to cross certain ones out because they do not meet your needs makes your research easier. Keep in mind that there are horror stories everywhere about everything. People are more likely to report bad experiences then good experiences so be cautious when reviewing people's bad experiences. Pay more attention to statistics of rates of occurrences rather than people's personal perspectives.

Be sure to leave any questions or comments below!