There are so many different birth control options to choose from! How do you even choose?! You hear stories about friends using condoms, or who go on the pill, or who wear the patch, or maybe you have friends that recently got an IUD inserted by a health practitioner. Whatever the case may be, remember that no two bodies are the same – meaning that what works for your friends might not necessarily work for you in the same way. In that case, it’s always best for you AND your partner inform yourselves about all of the available options, how they work, what their pros and cons are, and what changes using that method would bring to your life. That way when you’re BOTH ready to choose, you know you’ve made the best possible choice for the BOTH of you.
Why birth control is for the both of you…
An important thing to understand and remember is that you and your partner are both in this together. Contraception is not just a woman’s issue, or a man’s issue – it’s an issue for EVERYBODY from any and every gender identity and sexuality. The bottom line is if you are having sex with someone of the opposite sex, pregnancy prevention is an important issue to communicate about. If you and your partner have had a healthy conversation about having sex, and given and received consent from one another, then it is both a smart and responsible thing to learn about contraception together. Communication is key for healthy relationships, and it’ll be especially important when you and your partner talk about sex, your values, and how you’re going to protect one another from STDs and pregnancy.
Tips for birth control
Once you and your partner have had a healthy conversation and are ready to be on the same page about birth control, consider these helpful tips for some of the popular birth control methods with your partner:
1. Condoms (Barrier Method)
- Keep the lights on while you put the condom on so you make sure you don’t put it inside out.
- Using water-based lube can add new sensations to your sex life – apply a little either to the outside or inside of the condom.
- Always store your condoms in a cool, dry place.
2. The Pill (Hormonal Method)
- Always try to have the pill packet with you. You never know when you’ll stay at a friend or partner’s place.
- Set a reminder on your phone that goes off at the same time everyday, reminding you to take the pill, or sign up for text reminders.
- Ask your partner to set a reminder on their phone as well so they’re more involved and remind you in case you forget. (My personal favorite).
3. IUD (Long-Acting Reversible Contraception – LARC)
- IUDs (and implants) are fantastic because they are a "set it and forget it" form of birth control...no need to remember a pill every day or a condom every time!
- Some people may experience discomfort after getting an IUD inserted so try to have your partner, a friend, or relative go with you to your appointment for support.
- Does not protext against STDs so make sure to wear a condom, especially if you have multiple partners.