A lot of people using internet dating sites are those who have been in long-term relationships before, or even in marriages. And when you've been "around the block" with relationships, it's natural to allow yourself to fall into a rut. The way you did things before is the way you'll do them in the future; unless if you're pushed, you generally won't take the effort to make a change.
And that can be true of birth control, as well. Most people here at Datepad or any other free internet dating site already have a good idea of what kind of birth control works for them-- after all, you've been using the same one for years, right? But a lot has changed during the last several years, and the birth control you used five or ten years ago may not be the best for you now.
But how can you know?
Of course, one of the best things to do when considering a new birth control method is to talk to your doctor; he or she will have the best idea of what works for your body. But there are also some questions you should ask yourself in order to gauge what kind of birth control would work best for you-- and perhaps better than whatever you're using now.
First, of course, you need to look at the long-terms goals for your birth control method. Do you simply want to prevent pregnancy temporarily, or do you want a permanent change? Do you want to be able to make the decision to try for pregnancy whenever you like, are you okay with the idea of dealing with long-term effects from your chosen method?
You also, of course, need to look at your lifestyle. Does the birth control method you're thinking about fit into the way you live, and can you count on yourself to take the steps necessary to keep it up to date? This is an important question; while some may be able to remember to take a pill every day, for others it might be impossible.
Last but not least, you have to look at your age and health. Some birth control methods, such as the birth control pill, are better options for some women than for others (smokers over 35, for instance, see their risk of heart problems or stroke rise with the use of the pill). Also, if you have a history of breast cancer or blood clots (among other conditions) some hormonal-based birth control methods may be dangerous for you.
Your Birth Control Options
There are dozens are perfectly viable birth control options out there, and what works for you is going to be hugely dependant on your answers to the questions above. Read on for an overview of traditional birth control methods, along with some new ones you may not have heard about yet.
Male or Female Condoms. Of course, the trusty condom. If you're not in a long-term relationship (and both of you have been tested for STDs), you should of course be using these anyway. They're about 98% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Diaphragms, Caps, and Sponges. The classic diaphragm is great because it can be inserted up to 3 hours before you have intercourse. A soft dome, it is placed over the cervix. Caps and sponges are similar; the cervical cap is shaped like a little rubber cup, and the sponge is a soft, foamy polyurethane saucer.
Spermicides. Spermicides are generally used in conjunction with condoms and diaphragms, and can be found in foam, tablet, suppository (vaginal), or jelly form.
Birth Control Pills. Taken daily, birth control pills come in a huge variety of types and hormone levels, giving you and your doctor a lot of control over how they make you feel. Very effective, some birth control pills even have extra positive side effects, such as lightening your period or clearing your skin.
Depo-Provera and Lunelle Injections. These are both "birth control shots" that are very effective at preventing pregnancy. Depo Provera is a three-month shot, preventing pregnancy (and your period, too) for three months, while Luness is a monthly one. With both of these, you'll need to see your doctor to get the injection.
Vaginal Ring. The Vaginal Ring (or NuvaRing) works similarly to the birth control pill, with a three-on, one-off cycle. You insert the ring into the vagina for 3 weeks, where it releases hormones and prevents pregnancy. You take it out for a week to allow your period to come, then replace it with a new one.
Birth Control Patch. The patch works like the ring, but is a patch you wear on your hip, on your buttock, or on your arm.
Intrauterine Device. The intrauterine device, or IUD, is like a compromise between permanent and day-to-day birth control. It's a small device which is inserted by a doctor into the uterus. There, it affects the uterus to make fertilization more difficult, and prevents the implantation of eggs in the uterus.
Permanent Sterilization. If you've already had children (or are 110% sure you'll never want them), permanent sterilization is another option. For women, this procedure is called tubal ligation (or having your "tubes tied"), which closes off the fallopian tubes. In men, the tubes that carry sperm are closed off, a procedure called a vasectomy.
No matter what birth control method you choose, it's important to consider your long term health. Most birth control methods don't prevent the transmission of STDs; so if you're not in a serious relationship, it's important to use a condom no matter what other birth control method you use.
By Chloe ◊ Apr 14, 2009