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Contraception

Birth Control Considerations, Myths, Health Concerns, and Debates

By , About.com Guide

Choosing the right birth control method is a personal decision and should be an informed one. The more you know about contraception, the more control you will have. Learn the facts about contraception versus the myths. Part of using birth control is discussing this decision with your partner or doctor. Various issues may also factor into your decision -- moral and religious beliefs, your sexual behavior, side effects, costs, and your reasons for using contraception. Find out ways to prevent contraception failure. Given that no method (except abstinence) is 100% effective, what will you do if your birth control fails?
  1. Birth Control Myths and Debates
  2. Choosing the Right Method of Birth Control
  3. Birth Control Tips
  4. Unplanned Pregnancy
  5. Natural Birth Control Methods
  1. Contraception Resources
  2. Tips for Successful Contraception Use
  3. Pregnancy Tests
  4. Talking About Birth Control
  5. Abstinence

Birth Control Myths and Debates

With all the information available on contraception, it is hard to separate the facts about birth control from all of the myths. The more you know about the correct way to use birth control, the more control you will have over deciding if and when you want to become pregnant. How much do you know about contraception? Can you identify the myths versus the facts? Learn the most important things you should know about birth control and what behaviors to avoid if you do not wish to become pregnant.

Choosing the Right Method of Birth Control

Considerations and factors to think about when choosing a contraceptive method. Effectiveness and how birth control fits into your life and needs. Questions to consider when making this decision.

Birth Control Tips

Looking for more information about contraception? You may find it easier to have all your information in one place. Here are some informative "how to's" and other handy birth control tips.

Unplanned Pregnancy

What if I'm pregnant? Many women may be thinking this if their period is late. Do you have a plan incase this happens? If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you are not alone. There are 3 million unplanned pregnancies in the United States every year. It is important that you seek unbiased and accurate support and information. Unplanned pregnancy help awaits you -- learn your pregnancy options. Complete information on choosing to become a parent, placing the baby for adoption, or obtaining an abortion.

Natural Birth Control Methods

Behavioral contraceptive methods include specific actions that people can do naturally to help prevent an unintended pregnancy. These are some of the oldest forms of contraception available. Natural family planning often does not cost anything and usually has no side effects.

Contraception Resources

Here is your nonstop place for some of the latest news, reports and politics on birth control. Everything from book reviews, research studies and FDA warnings/approvals can be found here.

Tips for Successful Contraception Use

Given that no birth control method is 100% effective (except for abstinence), there is always the chance that your contraceptive will fail. What leads to birth control failure? Can you prevent it? Learn ways that you can decrease the possibility that your birth control fails you.

Pregnancy Tests

There are many different types and brands of home pregnancy tests, but they all function in the same manner - they check a woman's urine for presence of hCG hormone. Blood pregnancy tests check for the same hCG hormone, only these detect the hormone in the blood and must be performed at a doctor's office. Learn about pregnancy tests, when to take them, and how accurate they are.

Talking About Birth Control

When deciding on a birth control method, it may be helpful to discuss your feelings and decisions with you partner. This type of conversation may be embarrassing for you to bring up, but it is important that you are honest with your partner. If you are in a serious relationship, sexual decisions such as contraception should be made together. In addition to talking with your partner, it is wise to enlist the help of your doctor. Do you research and then discuss your various contraceptive options with your doctor. Parents and teens (as well as teens and teens) should also be talking about smart sexual decisions, being prepared, and understanding available birth control and where to get it. In all these situations, you need to be honest, respectful and ask lots of questions. Don't stop until you have all the information you need.

Abstinence

Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective – in both preventing pregnancies and most sexually transmitted infections. If you choose to be abstinent, then you have decided not to have any type of sexual relations. Learn some of the reasons why people choose to abstain as well as the benefits from this behavior. Discover the difference between continuous and complete abstinence. Read advice on how to stay abstinent and when to make the decision about using abstinence as your contraceptive method. Possible pitfalls people face when choosing this method are also examined.

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