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Smarter Birth Control: 16 Ways to Customize It

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iVillage on Sep 17, 2010 at 12:52PM

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Smarter Birth Control: 16 Ways to Customize It

Riser

"I can't remember where I'm supposed to be half the time."

Don’t think you’ll remember to pop a pill every day or stock up on spur-of-the-moment methods (condoms, sponges)? Then the best contraceptive choice for you is one that you don’t have to think about on a daily basis. Fortunately, there are lots of choices: Hormone patches are changed weekly, the vaginal ring monthly and boosters of Depo-Provera, an injectable contraceptive, are necessary only every three months. If you really want set-it-and-forget-it birth control, “hormonal implants last three years, and depending on the brand, an IUD can be remain in place for five to 10 years,” says Dr. Allen.

Still want to give the Pill a shot? Try using “memory devices,” such as storing the pack next to your toothbrush (which presumably you use every day!) or your vitamins, or in your cosmetics case—especially if you’re the type who’d never dream of leaving the house without mascara!

Filed Under:
- birth control,
- healthy living

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