Introduction

What was the first kind of birth control you ever used? Was it "the pill"? The contraceptive sponge? Condoms only? Now the really important question: Are you still using it today? Your choice of contraception should match your lifestyle and may need to change as your life changes.

For instance, if you're married and planning to become pregnant in the next couple of years, you probably don't want or need a long-term contraceptive like hormonal implants or an IUD. Or, if you are using Depo-Provera hormonal birth control, you may want to switch to a method with more rapid return of fertility.

If you're single and have several partners, you may need more than one option, like the birth control pill to prevent pregnancy and a condom to protect you from sexually transmitted infections. And if you're finished having children or know you won't be having any, you may find permanent birth control an attractive option.

The bottom line is that what was right for you when you first became sexually active is not necessarily what's right for you now, particularly if you're in your late 30s or 40s.

This content was produced with the support of an educational grant from Conceptus, Inc.

Create Date: 5/7/07
Date Last Updated: 5/7/07