Think back to when you were deciding which contraceptive (BC) to use. Maybe you chose the one that fit your lifestyle at the time, or maybe you were overwhelmed with so many choices that you simply asked for the one your friend was using. Either way, your needs will evolve over time. Maybe you are thinking about starting a family, maybe you want a double-acting birth control method that works for acne and cramps.

"There are many options for birth control methods and many opportunities to find the right one for you," affirms Heather Irobunda, M.D. (opens in new tab), a board certified OB/GYN in New York City. By considering your lifestyle, needs, and personality, you can find a form of BC that you like, whether it is a more permanent method that can last for years or a "short-term" method that you can discontinue using at any time, like a patch, pill, or ring. Before you do, ask yourself the following six questions. Take those answers with you to your gynecologist so that you and your doctor can decide which option is best for you.

When choosing a birth control method, it is important to keep in mind the timeline of family planning; long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) hormones or copper devices, like IUDs, can provide worry-free birth control for years at a time, making it an ideal option if you see children in the near future If not, explains Keshia Gaither (open in new tab), M.D., M.P.H., OB/GYN, maternal fetal medicine physician at NYC Health + Hospital/Lincoln.

On the other hand, if you think you are expecting a baby soon, think twice before taking a "long-term" method like an IUD or BC shots; there are reports that BC shots can delay return to fertility by 5-7 months after discontinuing their use. Things like patches, rings, and pills are likely to be better options, Dr. Gator notes.

This is a big problem. Dr. Ilovunda reminds us, "Birth control is most effective when used correctly." In other words, if you often forget to take the pill, you cannot adequately prevent pregnancy. For those who are too busy to continue taking the pill every day, long-acting contraceptive methods such as IUDs, implants, and injections may be more effective. There are also some, like patches and rings, that can be replaced on a weekly or monthly basis, respectively."

"If you are concerned about hormonal birth control, consider a copper IUD," says Dr. Ilovunda. In short, non-hormonal IUDs negatively affect the ability of sperm to move and reach the egg (which is necessary for conception). Once inserted, copper IUDs function for up to 10 years and are more than 99% effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (opens in new tab). [Certain pills containing both progestin and estrogen have been approved to treat symptoms of several medical conditions. Here's an example: some hormonal contraceptives have been shown to improve symptoms such as excessive hair growth and acne in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

If you have super heavy bleeding, severe cramping, acne, or endometriosis (a painful condition in which endometriosis-like tissue grows outside the uterus), the hormonal BC pill may help. In short, if BC may do double duty, be sure to tell your doctor all the symptoms and medical conditions you have when choosing BC.

This is because some hormonal contraceptives can cause lighter periods or no periods at all, says Dr. Ilovunda (which, by the way, are safe from a medical standpoint). What may be wonderful for some women is nerve-wracking for others," says Dr. Ilovunda. 'Also, some women don't take pleasure in not having periods.'

If so, have you both been tested for sexually transmitted diseases?" Dr. Ilobunda says, "All birth control methods are formulated to prevent pregnancy, but only barrier contraception (aka condoms) prevents the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are not 100% sure that your relationship is monogamous and you are not using barrier contraception, you may be increasing your risk of STIs.

Agile Therapeutics does not control and is not responsible for any other editorial content linked to this article.