The best birth control for you now s

By NicoleDeCoursy

Staying loyal to a great doctor or a genius hairdresser—that'sjust smart. But when it comes to birth control, sticking with thesame method throughout the years isn't always the rightmove.

"Your contraceptive should fit your health, lifestyle, andvalues," says Michele Curtis, MD, a professor of obstetricsand gynecology at the University of Texas Medical School atHouston.

That's because the more comfortable you are with your birthcontrol, the more likely you are to use it consistently—meaningless risk of an unintended pregnancy.

You are: Dating but not with a long-termpartner.....

Your best bet: Condoms plus a backup method

Whether you're 25 or 45, condoms are a must to guard againstsexually transmitted diseases. But since condoms also have a higherfailure rate than other forms of birth control, it's wise todouble up.

Hormonal contraceptives—the Pill, patch, or vaginal ring—are highlyeffective. As a bonus, they can also help regulate periods, reducePMS symptoms, and lower the risk of some cancers.
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