Health Department

There is no "best" method of birth control for every woman. The birth control method that is right for you and your partner depends on many things, and may change over time.

Before choosing a birth control method, talk to your doctor or nurse about:

• Whether you want to get pregnant soon, in a few years, or never
• How well each method works to prevent pregnancy
• Possible side effects
• How often you have sex
• The number of sex partners you have
• Your overall health
• How comfortable you are with using the method (For example, can you remember to take a pill every day? Will you have to ask your partner to put on a condom each time?)

Learn about types of birth control that you or your partner can use to prevent pregnancy.

Keep in mind that even the most effective birth control methods can fail. But your chances of getting pregnant are lower if you use a more effective method.

Family planning is about managing and optimizing your overall health so you can have a happy, healthy family. A large part of family planning is birth control or contraception – choosing when and if you become pregnant – but there are other crucial factors as well.

Family planning involves spacing your pregnancies so that you don't become physically or mentally drained. You can also discuss any medical conditions with your OB/GYN that might affect your ability to conceive or carry a baby to full term.

Give one of our Women's Health experts a call at (865) 215-5320 and we can answer any questions you might have.