Birth control is something every sexually active couple who wants to prevent pregnancy must consider. If a couple is sexually active but does not use birth control, they face an 85 percent chance of becoming pregnant within the year. Yikes! The good news is that birth control is readily available in the US, and you have many options for effective birth control.

A lot of the responsibility with birth control is often placed on the woman's shoulders, so every woman needs to thoroughly educate herself on the modern, available forms of birth control that are available. Keep in mind that the only protection against sexually transmitted diseases aside from abstinence are condoms. To prevent struggling with STD treatment, it's wise to use a condom in addition to other birth control methods. Before deciding on a method, ask yourself these simple but key questions to figure out what is best for you. 

How long will I need to be using birth control?

If you are in a long-distance relationship where you only see your partner once every few months or perhaps even less often, you may choose to use condoms when you are together. Although a condom is only ever good for one sexual experience, they are relatively inexpensive and effective. On the other hand, if you are with your partner on a regular basis in a long-term relationship, you may want something like a birth control implant or an IUD that offers long-term protection without a lot of hassle.  

How easy is it to use this form of birth control?

Let's face it. If the birth control is easy to use, it is more likely that most people will use it every time. It's human nature to want to rely on something that's easy. Choose a method that you personally find easy. Some people think taking a pill every day is a breeze, while others will struggle each day to remember to take the pill. Assess your own preferences and actions carefully when choosing birth control.

How effective is this type of birth control?

Effectiveness is likely to be a top consideration when selecting a birth control method. As abstinence-only advocates like to say, the only completely foolproof method of birth control is abstinence. The reality is that just simply isn't going to work for most couples. So, beyond that, there is no one "best" method, although there are many very effective ones. Speak to your doctor in-depth about which one is best for you because the truth is that the most effective is the one that you use every time and the one that you use in the right way.

Finally, keep in mind that birth control needs may change over time, so regularly communicate with your gynecologist about what your current needs and wants are. Your doctor can help you determine when it may be time to change methods or stop using birth control altogether when you are ready to conceive.