Dear Miss SmartyPants,

My boyfriend and hope to be married some day, but not until we are through with college and established in careers.  We are 17 and 18 now, so that is a long time away.  What is the most reliable form of birth control to avoid pregnancy?  

Cautious

Dear Cautious,

Abstinence – the only fool-proof method.  Let me expand the answer for other readers as well with the goal of presenting various methods, including positives and negatives for each.  Some of these methods may not be appropriate for you and your boyfriend at this time.  I applaud you for wanting to be responsible.

Among the factors that will determine which birth control method to choose are your health, your religious and social beliefs, your age, and your marital status.  

Some methods of birth control require responsibility and maturity.  If the method you choose is too inconvenient, you may be unlikely to use it.  Of course, if you were not in a monogamous relationship, the type of contraceptive you choose would be up to you.  If you are in a monogamous relationship, make the decision with your partner.  If you are in agreement, you are more likely to be consistent. 

Which methods of birth control are consistent with your religious beliefs? If you can use a method in good conscience, that method may be the right one for you. 

Be sure you understand all the downsides of any method of contraceptive you choose. These may include frequent trips to a clinic or pharmacy, having to carry various paraphernalia around with you, having to watch a schedule, or perhaps having to put up with unwanted side effects caused by birth control pills.

Some forms of contraceptives are very expensive.  Be sure to talk over expenses with your doctor and your insurance provider.  It is important that you make a realistic choice that you can follow through with on a consistent basis. 

One method is the diaphragm.  Used in conjunction with a contraceptive gel, a diaphragm has a good rate of success in preventing pregnancy.  It used to be a highly favored form of birth control because it was fairly reliable.  However, it is very inconvenient and requires a great deal of care.  It must be cleaned meticulously every time, and stored properly.

More on this important topic in Miss SmartyPants in the next issue of the Saver.