How to Choose a Birth Control Method When Everything Has Pros and Cons

Picking a birth control method can feel overwhelming because there are so many options. The goal isn’t to find the perfect method, but rather to find the one that fits your priorities, your body, and your day-to-day life right now.

A helpful place to start is by getting clear on what matters to you. Different people prioritize different things, and that’s completely normal. You might think about:

• How important is it to avoid pregnancy right now?
• Do you want something low-maintenance or are you okay with a daily routine?
• How do you feel about using a method with hormones in it?
• Does having a lighter, regular, no period, or heavier period matter to you?
• How comfortable are you with coming into a clinic to have a device placed?
• Is it important for your method to be kept private from your partner or someone else in your life?

Choosing a method that aligns with your priorities can give you confidence in your decision. And remember, switching methods later is completely normal. The birth control method you choose now isn’t a lifetime commitment; it’s a tool you can adjust as your life evolves. 

For more information on how to navigate the “pros” and “cons” when trying to choose a method of birth control, or to get answers to your specific questions about birth control, make an appointment to talk to a provider at your nearest The Right Time health center.