Birth Control Considerations, Myths, Health Concerns, and Debates
By Dawn Stacey M.Ed, LMHC, About.com Guide to Contraception
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?
- Birth Control Myths, Misconceptions, and Debates
- Choosing the Right Method of Birth Control
- Birth Control Tips
- Contraception Resources
Birth Control Myths, Misconceptions, 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.
- Top 10 Myths About Contraception
- Common Misconceptions About the Pill
- Myths About Sex Under Water, Jacuzzis and Hot Tubs
- No More Periods: The Safety of Continuous Birth Control
- Birth Control Quiz
- The Emergency Contraception Debate
- Emergency Contraception (Plan B) Quiz
- Fertility - Are There Certain Times To Be More Careful?
- Information About a Common Lybrel and Seasonique Email Scam
- Condom Quiz
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.
- Questions To Consider When Choosing a Method of Birth Control
- Contraceptive Considerations: Health Factors and Risks
- Convenience and Ease of Use of Birth Control Methods
- Birth Control Costs
- Factors to Consider Regarding the Effectiveness of Contraception
- Before You Choose A Birth Control Method
- Why Use Contraception?
- Overview of Available Contraception
- Birth Control Quiz
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.
- Guide to Birth Control and Safe Water Sex
- Birth Control Travel Tips
- How To Put a Condom on with Your Mouth
- Tips for Safely Storing Birth Control
- What Do Religions Say About Birth Control and Family Planning?
- Weight and Birth Control Pill Effectiveness
- "Withdrawal Bleeding"
- Birth Control Effectiveness
- Contraception Quiz
Contraception Resources
Here is your nonstop place for some of the latest news, reports, politics and research on birth control. Everything from gift-giving ideas to proper birth control storage to book reviews and FDA warnings can be found here.
- CDC Report - More Unmarried Women in their 20s are having Babies
- Can Women Use Hormonal Contraception After Age 40?
- Book Review: Taking Charge of Your Fertility
- FDA Warning for the Ortho Evra Contraceptive Patch
- Campaign 2008: Avoiding an "Unintended Presidency"
- FDA Depo Provera Black Box Warning
- Valentine's Day Gift Ideas
- Birth Control: 2007 Year-In-Review
- Campaign 2008: Meet the Democratic Presidential Candidates
- Campaign 2008: Meet the Republican Presidential Candidates
- Depo Provera: FDA Approved for the Treatment of Endometriosis-Related Pain
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.
- What Leads to Contraception Failure?
- How to Prevent Oral Contraceptive Failure
- Preventing Condom Failure
- How to Prevent IUD Failure
- Decreasing the Chances of Diaphragm Failure
- Ways to Increase Success while Using Fertility Awareness Methods
- Main Reason For Contraception Failure
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.
- Steps to Guide You Through an Unexpected Pregnancy
- Did My Birth Control Fail?
- All About Pregnancy Tests
- Unplanned Pregnancy Help - Know Your Options
- Before You Seek Support From a Crisis Pregnancy Center
- Choosing Parenthood
- Adoption Decisions
- About Abortion
- Unplanned Pregnancy Support: Choosing Abortion, Adoption, or Parenthood
- Understanding Conception - A Guide to the Female Body
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 monogamous, serious relationship, sexual decisions such as contraception should be made together. It is also wise to have this discussion before your relationship moves in a sexual direction. Learn more about how to talk to your partner about birth control.
- How to Talk to Your Partner about Sex and Contraception
- How to Respond to Men's Excuses for Not Wanting to Wear a Condom
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.
