Sexual Health: What Method of Birth Control is Right for You?

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What Method of Birth Control is Right for You?

There are many different types of birth control available. All types have advantages and disadvantages. You should discuss these issues with your doctor. This questionnaire may help you identify some of the things that may be issues for you when you are planning, which method of birth control to use over the long-term. If you have had unprotected intercourse and need an immediate solution, talk to your doctor or clinic about emergency contraception.

Part I

	Agree	Disagree
1) I'm sure I don't wish to have any (more) children
2) My religious or moral beliefs prevent using any artificial form of birth control
3) I don't like the idea of using hormones to prevent pregnancy.
4) I am good at remembering to take vitamins or other medication that need to be taken each day
5) I am willing to visit a doctor or birth control clinic to get my birth control method.
a) I am willing to visit regularly (every three months.)
6) I don't mind needles. Regular injections wouldn't bother me.
7) I've used spermicides in the past and they irritated my genital area.
8) I'm uncomfortable inserting anything into my vagina. I don't want a method of birth control where I have to do this all the time.
9) All birth control methods have some limitations. Choose the two statements below that are most important to you. Most important Second most important A) It is important for me to protect my partner(s) and me from sexually transmitted diseases. B) It is important to me not to interrupt romantic moments. I don't want to stop sex to use birth control. C) I want to be spontaneous. I don't want to plan in advance when I'm going to have sex. D) I don't want my partner or I to be able to feel my method of birth control. E) Having my partner perform oral sex on me is an important part of my sexual activity. I don't want anything that tastes bad. F) I want to control my method of birth control. I don't want to depend on my partner(s).

Part II

10) Mark whether you have any of the following health conditions:

over 35 and a smoker
hepatitis or other active liver disease
sickle cell anemia
severe migraines
had blood clots in the past
diabetes
using seizure medication
abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding
breast cancer or other breast abnormalities
reoccurring infections in your cervix or vagina
an inflammation of the ovaries or fallopian tubes
physical abnormalities of the cervix or vagina
weakened immune systems (such as women who have AIDS)
severe menstrual cramps
allergies to latex
frequent urinary tract infections

Updated August 2005