Birth control is more than just abstaining from sex until you are married. You should be taking precautions in the event you don't go down that road and are sexually active. You should be protecting yourself against STDs and other diseases while also protecting yourself from an unplanned pregnancy. This is something that can create a major ripple in your life, which is why protecting yourself against pregnancy is so important, and birth control methods can be put in place to help protect you. Read on for some birth control methods that may be right for you.

Birth Control Pill

Birth control pills that help to control your hormone levels and when you ovulate can help to protect you against unplanned pregnancy. They do not protect against STDs, but they can be very effective in protecting you from becoming pregnant. Birth control pills must be taken daily and at the same time each day. If you are routine and can remember to take a pill each and every day, this may be the right type of birth control method for you. The pill can become less effective when taking antibiotics and other medications, so be sure to discuss your medications with a doctor or gynecologist.

IUD

An IUD (intrauterine device) is a method of birth control that is long-lasting; it is implanted into the uterus and usually stays in place for several years. This method can protect you for a long time and is something that you may want to consider if you are not planning on becoming pregnant for a while. It can also be beneficial for those that are done having children but still like the idea of controlled hormones, such as those that are going through pre-menopause. The IUD will need to be surgically removed when you want to become pregnant and may have to be replaced when its lifetime is up.

Condoms

Condoms can be effective in protecting against STDs, but not as effective as the other birth control methods listed above in protecting against pregnancy. A condom can easily break or can slide off. It can be effective when used in conjunction with the other methods listed above though, or you can also use a female condom in addition to a male condom.

If you are not sure what type of birth control is right for you, discuss all of your options with your gynecologist to have the right knowledge to better protect yourself and your partner.