There are several factors you need to consider when choosing a method of birth control. From condoms to birth control pills and IUDs, not all contraceptive methods are right for everyone. This is why thorough research into the contraception options available to you is essential, before deciding on a method. Start by talking with your doctor, reading medical studies, and looking at all the different birth control types to be informed of side effects and usage:

1. Relationship factors
Birth control needs may differ depending on if you are single and dating or committed to one partner (i.e., married, common law). If you’re currently in a monogamous relationship many couples opt for an oral birth control pill, patch, or IUD if they are not concerned with potentially contracting an STI. However, if you have different sexual partners, condoms may provide both birth control and STI protection. While women who may wish to conceive soon, may wish to use non-hormonal birth control methods.

2. Types of birth control available
Some of the more popular types of birth control include the intrauterine device (or IUD), which is 99% effective against preventing pregnancy and low maintenance in that it’s inserted by a healthcare provider and forgotten until it needs replacement. The prices vary, but IUDs are generally efficiently priced and last up to ten years or more. Birth control pills are also popular as they are 91% effective. However, these need to be taken daily, prescribed by a medical provider, and can be priced up to $50 per month. Condoms are 85% effective and are exceptionally low in price (i.e., about $2.00 per package). However, you will need to use a condom every time you have sex in order to prevent any sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy.

3. Cost
Depending on the contraceptive manner you decide on, the costs vary. Pills are about $50 per month, and hormonal IUDs can be anywhere from $0 to $100 including the IUD placement cost, as well as routine medical visits. Insurance in some states may cover IUDs and oral birth control pills.

4. revention of sexually transmitted infections
The only birth control option that is 98% in preventing sexually transmitted infections is the condom. Available in both external (male) and internal (female) applications, condoms offer up to 99% protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are often used along with additional birth control methods, such as spermicides, diaphragms, or birth control pills to prevent pregnancy along with STIs.

5. Effectiveness at preventing pregnancy
The only 100% effective method against pregnancy is sterilization (i.e., tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men). As far as effectiveness, oral birth control pills are about 91% effective; condoms are reported to be about 98% effective; while an IUD is considered 99% effective. The effectiveness of contraception methods, of course, depends on how you use them.

6. Replacement
Replacement options for contraceptive options range anywhere from $0 to $5000. Contraceptive pills need to be taken daily and replenished every month. A birth control shot will be effective for 90 days, birth control patches need to be replaced every week, and you need to get a shot every 90 days. IUDs last between 10- and 12 years, and a new condom needs to be used every time you have sexual intercourse. If you want permanent birth control, surgical  sterilization methods include tubal ligation for women or vasectomies for men. These methods can be pricey, but if you are done having children, they will provide peace of mind that no unwanted pregnancy will occur.

7. Side effects
There are hormone-based contraceptives (i.e., birth control pills and hormonal IUDs) that may cause certain side effects in some patients and not others. Common side effects reported range from breast tenderness, nausea, cramping, weight gain, hair or skin changes, headaches, bleeding between periods, and or mood changes. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to determine if these adverse effects are ones you can tolerate.