As more people understand the importance of planning how you build a family, birth control methods also become increasingly popular, especially among the millennial generation.
Since birth control methods are commonly used to prevent pregnancy, women are usually more inclined to use them. In 2015, the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada conducted a survey which showed that sexually active Canadians use the following methods to avoid conception
· Letting their partners use condoms
· Taking oral contraceptives
· Making their partner withdraw before ejaculation.
With advancements in the medical field, there are a lot of birth control plans available right now to help you plan your family or take control of your life. When choosing one, you must consider your age, family history, ailment history, general health, relationship, financial means, and your convenience. You will eventually base your decision on how you live your lifestyle.
To make an informed choice about this, talk to a doctor or an obstetrician-gynecologist or OB-GYNE. Or, if you are considering doing a bit of research before you finally decide, you can start by asking the following questions:
1. What are the available options?
As earlier mentioned, there are already a lot of choices for preventing conception and there is surely one that can suit your needs. Here are the options you can consider:
The barrier type. The barrier type method includes male condoms, female condoms, and diaphragm. Besides preventing pregnancy, condoms usually protect you from sexually transmissible diseases and infections.
Hormonal methods. Hormonal methods of contraception use progestin and/or progestin to regulate female hormones. This type can be classified as short-term and long-term. Short-term hormonal methods are considered as such because the effect is short-acting and you need to take them every day, every week, or every month. This covers the popular birth control oral contraceptives, vaginal ring, contraceptive injection, or skin patch. Long-term hormonal methods last for a long time after insertion. They usually last from three to ten years or until you want them removed. This type includes hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs, and other contraceptive implants.
Sterilization. The sterilization method is a permanent process and is usually irreversible. Examples of this are vasectomy for males and tubal ligation for females.
Natural methods. The natural method focuses on the body’s menstrual cycle. This procedure usually focuses on watching out for the woman’s fertility signals and the time when she can conceive a child (fertile days). To prevent pregnancy, the woman avoids having sex or utilizes barrier contraceptives during her fertile period. Another natural way to prevent pregnancy is withdrawal before ejaculation.
2. Is the method compatible with my religious or moral beliefs?
One factor that may affect how you choose a planning method is your religion or moral stand on issues. If your belief says that semen is something sacred and must not be wasted, then the barrier method and withdrawal method are not for you. Consider if certain laws or traditions might be disrespected if you use a certain method and talk about alternatives.
3. Are there any health concerns that I must take into account?
If you have a medical condition or risk factor, you must be careful of some birth control methods. Talk with your doctor and loved one regarding the risk and benefits of a contraceptive or birth planning procedure. Another thing to consider is if you have any sexually transmitted disease which can limit your birth planning choices. Be transparent about your state of health when discussing birth control with your physician. A one-on-one discussion with your doctor will make a difference so that you can treat or manage your STD and to protect you and your partner.
4. Does my partner agree with the birth planning method?
Your partner’s opinion and decision are also crucial when planning about birth control. Talk to your loved one about this. If you are in this together, you can bring your partner during a visit to your obstetrician-gynecologist or personal doctor. If your partner does not agree with the idea of birth control, the opinion of a third person will help to make him or her understand the reason why you need to prevent pregnancy at this time of your life.
5. Is it affordable and convenient for me?
Different types of birth control methods also come with different price tags. Check if the birth control procedure you are interested in is within your financial means. Some procedures are expensive at the beginning but will make you save a lot in the long run. Some methods seem cheap but can accumulate expenses as time goes by. Consider the following so that you can have an estimate of how much money your birth planning method might cost:
· Check up-fees and how often you need to visit the doctor
· Proximity of the doctor’s clinic (calculate fare and gas expense)
· Price of your birth planning procedure or method
· Possible expense if there are complications
If you are considering a more inexpensive way to connect to a doctor, you can consult an online doctor BC. With online physicians, you can receive advice, treatment, and prescriptions without leaving your home, waiting in line, and spending more on fees. Online doctor consultations are usually covered by insurance so you can avail it without spending a dollar.
Think of your future. Ask yourself these questions before deciding on a birth control method.