Choosing the right birth control method

Different types of birth control have different levels of effectiveness, pros and cons. Examples of contraception include:

• Birth control pill

• Contraceptive injection

• Intra-uterine device (IUD)

• Spermicide

• Diaphragm (to be used with spermicide)

• Cervical cap (to be used with spermicide)

• Female sterilisation (permanent)

• Female condom

Factors such as age, frequency of sexual activity, family history regarding certain illnesses, comfort level when using a particular method, and level of desire to be pregnant in the future plays a role when choosing an appropriate birth control method.

Talk to your physician to figure out which method works best for you. Knowing more about how to use each method correctly will help you take better control of your sexual health.

A combination of contraceptive methods can be used at a time for extra protection. You can ask your partner to use a condom as it is the only contraceptive method that protects you against most sexually transmitted infections (STIs).