Contraceptives

Following on from the last post on choosing the right doctor for your contraceptive ‘affair’, here are some ’starter’ questions on contraceptive options to take with you to the consult. Don’t be embarrassed, put off or rushed through a short consult when you talk to your doctor about choosing the right contraceptive for you - pay for a long consult if need be but DO empower yourself with knowledge before rushing off to the pharmacy with your script.

Even if you use the convenience of buying your oral contraceptives on line, discussing all aspects of birth control with a medical practitioner is essential when it comes to understanding and taking charge of your body’s health in regard to managing birth control- especially if you take oral contraceptives which affect your body’s hormone levels.

The doctor will know your medical history but maybe not know what type of lifestyle you lead so explain a bit about this first. Remember, this is your body, your future safety and happiness that’s at stake and you are about to make one of the most responsible and important decisions of your life, your partner’s life and the lives of your unborn children.

If you ask these questions and you don’t understand the answer you get back, be a little terrier and keep asking until you do.

1. Given my age and state of health/lifestyle, which method of contraception do you suggest for me?

2. Out of all the hormone based types of contraceptives, which is the most effective and are there any I cannot take due to my medical history or the medications I’m taking?

3. If I don’t opt for a hormone based contraceptive, what other alternatives are most effective?

4. Is an IUD an option for me and can it cause problems if I want to become pregnant later on?

5. How will ‘the pill’ affect my fertility and what do I watch out for re side effects?

6. Which form of contraceptive carries the greatest health risk?

7. If I ever want to get pregnant when should I stop taking the pill?

8. What should I do if I fail to use contraceptives during intercourse?

9. How and where can I get the ‘morning after’ pill?

10. I’m breastfeeding, what do I do about contraception?

11. Do you have information about natural birth control?

12. I don’t want kids for YEARS yet, is an implant a good option for me now?

13. Are there any other resources in my community where I can get help and advice on contraceptives?

14. We have enough children now, I need information on tubal ligation and vasectomy and whether or not these methods are reversible.

Here are a couple of books that I recommend, vastly different in price but both excellent.

The Contraception Sourcebook: From oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices to periodic abstinence and male contraception to the latest developments in the field, every form of birth control is covered in this book. Thought provoking and pragmatic, here at last is a comprehensive, intelligent guide to contraception.

Family Planning SourceBook: Family planning covers a wide range of issues related to pregnancy and contraception as well as how best to plan and prepare for having a family. The basic, straightforward information presented in this Sourcebook can help men and women deal with such concerns as methods of contraception and avoiding unwanted pregnancy. It also provides guidance on factors to consider when planning a family, why you should plan, and how to prepare for pregnancy.