Contraception

BIRTH CONTROL: EXPLORING THE OPTIONS
There are many options for birth control on the market today. Some are hormonal and some just provide a barrier to prevent a sperm from meeting an egg. Hormones, on the other hand, do three things: prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucous, and thins the lining of the uterine wall. There are many ways to get hormones into your body; you can take a pill, get a shot, or wear a patch or ring. Ultimately you should talk with your doctor about what is right for you because some methods must be prescribed by your doctor. Below are some important questions to consider when finding the birth control that is right for you?

• How well will it fit into my lifestyle?
• How convenient will it be?
• How effective will it be?
• How safe will it be?
• How affordable will it be?
• How reversible will it be?
• Will it protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
• How involved do I want my partner to be in my method of birth control?

For more information on specific methods of birth control, go to www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/.