Contraception

What's the Best Choice for Me?

The best choice is what feels right for you and your partner, and what will be most effective in preventing an unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Different contraception methods suit different people. Someone in a long-term monogamous relationship might prefer different methods than someone in a new relationships or someone who has multiple sexual partners. Your age and where you are in your sexual life can also be a big factor in your decision. Talk to your physician about your choices, and discuss contraception with your partner before making a decision.

• The most effective methods:
  Hormonal methods are the most effective, and if you are a healthy woman, the Pill, the Patch or the Vaginal Ring are great choices, since they can be used long-term.
• Preventing sexually transmitted infections:
  The risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections is greatly reduced by using dual protection - using a condom with your choice of birth control. Use a condom if you are in a new relationship, until you can both get tested for STIs, or if you are not sure your partner is faithful.
• If you have just given birth:
  If you have just given birth, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs), progestin-only contraceptives (POP) and condoms are good choices because they do not affect the quality or quantity of your breast milk. If you choose to use a diaphragm or cervical cap, these must be re-fitted several months following the birth of your baby, so before this point you should choose an alternative contraceptive method. Remember, there is no grace period after a pregnancy - it is possible to become pregnant again almost immediately after giving birth!
• If contraception fails:
  If your contraception method has failed, consult your health care provider without delay and begin taking emergency contraception. Consider getting a prescription in advance, so that you will have it just in case you ever need it.
• If you have had an abortion:
  If you have had an abortion, you may wish to choose a more effective means of birth control. If you wish to have a child at some point in the future, hormonal methods like birth control pills, the contraceptive patch or the new vaginal ring are all good choices. If you are certain that you will never want to have children in the future, something more permanent like tubal ligation, vasectomy, or intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) may be the right choice for you or your partner.
• If you smoke:
  If you are over 35 and smoke, you may need to discontinue using birth control pills, except for the progestin-only pill (POP). You may wish to consider using an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like help to quit smoking.
• If you are approaching menopause:
  If you are approaching menopause, low-dose oral contraceptives may help you deal with menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It will also provide contraception in the event that ovulation is still occurring sporadically.
• If you want to wait before having another child:
  If you wish to space out your family, natural methods like withdrawal or fertility awareness, in combination with a secondary contraceptive method such as condoms or a contraceptive sponge may be quite effective. You can also use more effective hormonal methods such as the Pill or the Patch and be guaranteed a quick return to fertility once you decide to have a child.

Last Modified: February 6, 2008