Health Topics
Choosing A Method of Birth Control
Online Birth Control Education
Except for abstinence from sexual intercourse, no single birth control method is 100 percent effective, 100 percent free of side effects, absolutely safe, or financially available to everyone. Avoiding an unintended pregnancy requires weighing the benefits and drawbacks of the various methods and choosing the one(s) that both partners find comfortable and will use correctly and consistently each time sexual intercourse takes place. Even a technologically perfect contraceptive will fail when not used correctly and consistently. There are many factors to consider in choosing a method of birth control:
- Family and personal health history
- Effectiveness
- Frequency of sex
- Cost
- Ability to keep contraceptive supplies on hand
- Strength of motivation to use a method
- The risk of transmitting an STI
Being An Effective Contraceptor
Being an effective contraceptor has two components. First, a method of birth control must be chosen that takes into account the nature of an individual's (or couple's) sexual activities, the frequency of intercourse, future plans regarding having children, and personal and religious values. Second, the method(s) chosen must be used consistently and correctly.
Contraception is most effective when the responsibility for birth control is shared. Couples can read and discuss information about the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods, and they can try out various methods to find out which are best suited for them. They can share financial costs of their chosen method(s). They can share the responsibility for their chosen method. A man can learn how a diaphragm is used, a woman can learn about the condom, and they can incorporate this into their lovemaking.
Partners who share the responsibility for birth control are more likely to use their chosen method(s) properly, which makes birth control more effective. Reducing the fear of pregnancy makes sex more enjoyable. Another benefit of sharing the responsibility for birth control is that it tends to enhance intimacy in a relationship. Discussing birth control and the mutual decision-making involved in choosing and using a method leads to better communication.
Individuals should carry some method of birth control with them if they anticipate that sexual intercourse might occur. For example, both men and women can carry a condom with them on dates or to parties if they think that sexual activity is a possibility.
Discussing Birth Control
A couple shares the responsibility for birth control because both partners are responsible if an unintended pregnancy occurs. This fact alone is an important reason to discuss birth control. Although it is important to discuss birth control before having sex, many individuals are embarrassed or feel awkward doing so. Partners who are sexual intermittently or first time partners may not discuss birth control before sex because they fear spoiling a romantic mood. Talking about contraception implies that sex is going to take place, which may force an individual to face internal conflicts about engaging in sex. Many individuals subscribe to the myth that good sex can only be spontaneous if unplanned and so do not discuss sex and birth control. However, taking care of the details first can enhance spontaneity.
The best time to discuss birth control is before sexual intercourse begins. A partner can say something like, "I would really like to make love (have sex) with you, and I want to be sure we're protected." That kind of introduction can be followed by a statement of preference and personal responsibility, such as, "I prefer to use condoms" or "I'm on the pill" or, using a question, such as, "What birth control method do you prefer?" or "What are we going to do about birth control?"
Because many contraceptives are designed for use in the woman, many couples believe that birth control is not the male partner's responsibility. Even if the man is concerned about preventing an unintended pregnancy, he may not ask about birth control, fearing embarrassment or appearing ignorant. Many women, however, welcome a man initiating a discussion of birth control.
Discussions about birth control enhance communication about other sexual concerns, such as the role of sex in a relationship, likes and dislikes, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
Why Do Sexually Active College Students Become Pregnant Unintentionally?
Despite the desire to prevent pregnancy, many college students experience unintended pregnancies. The reasons include:
- Engaging in sex while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs and not using a method correctly or at all.
- Feeling peer or self-imposed pressure to have sex and not being prepared with a contraceptive method.
- Not using contraception as a way to avoid having to “plan” for sex.
- Having a primary method of birth control available but making a conscious decision not to use it.
- Having no method and just “winging it.”
- Leaving the primary method of birth control elsewhere or losing, misplacing, or running out of a primary method and having no back-up method.
- Using a method incorrectly, e.g. not placing spermicide on a diaphragm or using a condom with Vaseline as a lubricant.
- Having negative attitudes about birth control, such as believing that birth control is a hassle, unromantic, or harmful.
- Very rarely, a method may fail even when used correctly and consistently.
Relationship issues affect contraceptive effectiveness, too. People in a committed relationship tend to have sexual intercourse more often and regularly, which gives the couple opportunities to talk about contraception and to find and become adept at using method(s) that they prefer.
Individuals with irregular sexual contact, either because of geographical separation or relationship problems may have more challenges in establishing a birth control regimen.
In new or casual sexual relationships, there is a tendency to use no method or an ineffective method at first intercourse and not to adopt a better method for several months. Be sure to consider a contraceptive method that meets your own situation and preferences.
Online Birth Control Education |
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last reviewed: Spring 2005