If you're considering using birth control, you have many options — including natural family planning, over-the-counter products, prescription contraceptives and sterilization.

To choose the birth control method that's best for you, consider your lifestyle, personal preferences and health status. For instance, how do you feel about:

• Planning for sex?
• Inserting a birth control device into your body?
• Taking a pill at the same time every day?
• Tracking fertile days?
• Permanently ending your fertility?

It's also important to honestly assess yourself, your partner and your relationship. You may have different birth control needs if you have sex often or you're not in a monogamous relationship.

Ideally, you'll find a solution that benefits both you and your partner.