In the last issue of the Saver was a letter from a young woman inquiring about birth control methods.   We will continue the discussion in today’s column.

Some forms of contraceptive pose health risks.  Contraceptive creams, jellies and foam may cause an allergic reaction.  Birth control pills and patches that are estrogen-based may increase your risk of cancer - especially for a woman over the age of 35 who smokes.  An IUD may cause pain and may become embedded in the uterine wall.  Tubal ligations and vasectomies are usually not reversible.

On the other hand, some forms of contraception can bring health benefits.  For example, if you have problems with irregular or very heavy menstrual periods, birth control pills and patches may help ease your symptoms.  If you have a problem with dryness, you may find contraceptive gel helpful.
 
You will want to consider whether or not you want a contraceptive that also provides some protection against STDs.  If you are not in an established, monogamous relationship, the answer to this question is "Yes!"  In this case, you will want to use condoms and a contraceptive gel, foam, or cream to minimize the risk of infection.  It is a good idea to ALSO use a more reliable method of contraception such as birth control pills or patch, IUD, or sterilization.  Condoms and creams, gels, and foam are not completely reliable.

Old-fashioned methods include a vinegar-soaked sponge used as a diaphragm, or douching.  Then there is the "rhythm method" - counting the days between your periods and trying to figure out when you might be ovulating and then avoiding intimacy on those days.  These methods do not work!  Don't use them.

Consider whether you want to have children at all.  If you look in your heart and at your circumstances and feel that having children is not for you, that's OK!  Sterilization is a 100% effective method of birth control.  Both tubal ligation and vasectomy are simple out-patient procedures that you pay for one time.

If you don't really want children, you certainly should not add more unwanted children to the world.  If at some point you decide you do want children, there are lots of them longing for a loving home. Adoption, foster care or volunteering to help with children are excellent ways to "have" children responsibly.

Finally, the decision to have an abortion is an extremely serious one which should be unnecessary (unless the pregnancy was as a result of rape or incest) because of all the other excellent options at your disposal these days.  Hopefully, you will choose a method of birth control long before you need one.  Be responsible, be safe, and plan your family, both for your benefit and theirs!