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If you're not ready to have kids, then you'll want to use an effective form of birth control every time you have sex. There are several options, so your gynecologist will help you decide which method is best for you. These are some of the factors you'll need to consider.

If You Also Need Protection From An STD

Most forms of birth control are for stopping pregnancy, but they don't do anything to stop the transmission of a sexually transmitted disease. If you have multiple partners, then you'll want to use a condom each time you have sex to avoid contracting an STD. Your doctor may also recommend that you combine an additional form of birth control with using a condom since condoms could tear and allow you to become pregnant. Depending on your health and preferences, you might take birth control pills, use spermicide, or have an IUD inserted and also use a condom.

If You'll Be Breastfeeding

Your doctor might advise you to avoid taking birth control pills after you've had a baby if you'll be breastfeeding. There are other options you can choose that don't deliver drugs that could affect the baby. You might use an IUD, condom, or diaphragm until you're ready to start taking birth control pills again. There are other times when birth control pills might not be appropriate too, such as if you smoke, are older, or have certain medical conditions.

If You Want The Most Convenience

If you want a birth control option you don't have to worry about, then an IUD is a good choice. If you have a steady partner and don't need to use condoms, then you won't need to do anything to protect yourself during sex once the IUD is in place. It has a high success rate and when you're ready to have kids, you can have the IUD removed and try to get pregnant right away. An IUD is much more convenient than remembering to take a pill every day or calculating your fertile days with natural birth control.

If Natural Birth Control Is Important

If you want to avoid taking drugs or having artificial objects inserted to prevent pregnancy, then natural birth control could be the solution. This method is not as effective as other forms of birth control because it is often difficult to understand and follow. Your gynecologist will teach you about your fertile days and how to track them. This can be done by marking the days on a calendar, checking your temperature daily, or checking your cervical mucus daily. Once you learn how to detect your fertile days, you'll want to avoid having sex on those days or use an alternate form of birth control such as a condom.

Your doctor will consider your medical history along with your preferences when recommending the right birth control method for you. You may even want to consider a tubal ligation if you want permanent birth control.