Have Fun but Not Babies - Choose Contraception That Suits Your Needs

Our bodies are designed to reproduce. And although our lives have evolved much over the years, our reproductive system works more or less the same as it used to in the pre-historic times. But thankfully, contraceptive methods have advanced with time and are here to save the day. If we want to have an active sex life while preventing any unwanted pregnancy that might show up with it, contraception is the key.

But is it all this simple?

Over time, many options of contraception have sprung up, and when you decide to opt for it for the very first time, it can all be too overwhelming. Add to this our unique bodies and it all becomes even more complex. So now what may have worked for a friend is suddenly making you feel too nauseous to focus on work or that your periods are now just too painful. And what if you find the right partner and want to start a family. Is the birth control method you chose earlier reversible?

The solution to this quagmire is to understand your own specific needs. Whenever you decide to use contraception, ask yourself the following questions which will help you decide which one is the right one.

How frequently do I need it?
The answer to this one will depend a lot on your lifestyle. Are you in a committed relationship or not? Do you have regular sex or is it more of an infrequent, spontaneous activity?

If yours is a consistent sex life, a long-term contraceptive option might best suit you as it will save you the hassle of keeping check. These may include using a contraceptive implant, an Intrauterine Device (IUD) or Intrauterine System (IUS). These last from anywhere between 3-10 years.

If it’s the other way round, you may opt for more short-term options which you can use just when you’re off to have some fun. This could be the all too well known Pill, or sponge and contraception patch. And just in case you forget about it all in the heat of passion, you always have the option of emergency contraception, but, do remember, this is the least effective method out there.

Do I want to start a family soon?
In case you feel that you might want to embark on the journey of motherhood sometime soon, may be the next six months, then a long-term option may add the additional inconvenience of going to the health care provider to get it removed. You may instead try a contraception ring or contraceptive injections which give you from a month to 3 months protection.

Is my body sensitive to hormonal imbalance?
Have you ever experienced burst of acne or unexplained weight gain or sleep problems or heavy periods due to some medical condition or a medication that you took? Did you take that contraceptive pill your coworker suggested and now you experience decreased sex drive or thinning of hair or mood swings?

If that’s the case, then you’re probably prone to hormonal imbalance and you need to make sure you choose a contraceptive option that is hormone free. These include short-term options like cervical cap, diaphragm, sponge or long-time ones such as the IUD.