Lots of BC info
Depo post- use depo if it works, Take time off after a year or two and switch to something else for 6 mos to a year if worried about future fertility.
First let me respond about hormonal methods- my mom was told after about 8 years on the pill she couldn't get pregnant. Three months later she was preg with me. Missing pills makes you MORE fertile than if you never took them, DO use a back up method until you are safe, call planned parenthood if you need free advice! I have a friend that missed 3 and boom pregnant right after.
Pills need to be taken daily and AT THE SAME TIME EVERYDAY to be most effective. Set an alarm on your phone if you are able!
I couldn't use hormonal methods well, I have migraines that worsened with BC. I tried Lo Ovral with success but it made me b*tchy and I didn't know ho wmuch until i quit. Many friends have had same experience, but others had no problems. Many did have weight gain, sometimes extreme.Do what works for you.
So, here is some info, mixed with my experiences & that of friends. A female pov. Hope it is helpful:
What I have tried:
Condoms- best protection from STD's including HIV. Buy the right size store properly and actually read instructions, and you're likely to never have an oops. I have used without incident for at least 10 reproductive years and when I wanted to I got pregnant within 6 weeks, so no fertility issues. Never have had one break (crossing fingers). However, size of condom and type matters for comfort and feeling more like wearing nothing at all. Condoms that fit are less likely to break and way more likely to feel good. Even if shunned before due to discomfort, the right condom can make all the difference and keep you STD and baby free. You can find charts online that suggest what condom brand is good depending on size. This link shows how to measure and other info:
http://www.condom-sizes.org/condom-sizes/condom-sizes#more-4
Here is a long chart, many brands. listed by size on their site:
http://www.condom-sizes.org/condom-size-chart/condom-size-chart
From that site, a good survey was quoted. It shows how important sizing right is, and how many men don't find teh right size:
Condom size survey
A survey made by Durex, reported that the length of an erect penis can range from 4 to 9 inches, while penis width varies from 1 inch to 2 inches (and more). From nearly 3000 survey respondents 50% felt that the regular condoms didn’t fit properly:
- 25% of them complained that the condoms were “too tight”
- for 10% condoms were “much too tight”
- for 15% condoms were “too loose”
44% reported they had experienced condom slip or break in the past.
Now, that we covered why it is important to choose the best fit, lets see how to choose it
For Latex allergies and better condoms too: GREAT new brands like SKYN condoms use Polyisoprene rather than latex - they conduct heat better, feel better, and consensus from partner and friends is feels really close to au naturel. Also good are the polyurethane condoms like Trojan Supra. Good for those with allergies to latex too.
Note:Once heard a guy brag about figuring out how to break them with his movements, so he didn't have to wear them. He'd been around. Later ended up spreading around the clap and got herpes, no joke- I lived in a small town then so nothing stayed secret. But this was his method so he didn't have to use them long. Sleezy sob, but be aware.
Nonoxynol 9 lubricated condoms have been found to be LESS effective in some studies (condoms with spermicide). One possible reason is some people may get micro cuts etc in reasponse to irritation from it.
Which leads into spermicides, all nonoxynol 9. None are as effective as most other methods. Best used with diaphragm, no STD protection.
Encare - tried, can be messy, had a partner that had irritation, had to discontinue
VCF- same as above. VERY portable, works.
Todays sponge- comfortable, people like it, not very effective.
Diaphram- no personal experience, have a gf who loves hers
Cervical cap- only friend I know who used one found it ineffective (preg within 6 mos.) Stats show not very effective.
IUDS- have friend with Mirena, no real problems but increased cramps. Another friend with copper, she has heavy bleeding with periods. Increases STD risk. Only a good method if in long term monogamous relationship and be damn sure as you will likely get an STD if your partner brings it home...
Effectiveness of Birth Control Methods can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_birth_control_methods
Natural Birth Control: of course withdrawal can work, coitus interruptus, but takes lots of self control and preejaculate may have sperm as well and it only takes one to make a party of two a party of 3.
Advanced natural birth control: Use calendar method (can be found online). Charting temperature can let you know when you ovulate, but you should have abstained 7 days before and a few days post. Cervical mucus changes can confirm ovulation.
Combining hormonal methods: Use the pill, path, depo, etc. AND condom for STD protection.
Combining non hormonal methods: Know you or your partners menstrual cycle length. Chart over a few months, this gives an average. Natural methods won't work if you are irregular. Learn to chart cervical mucus and temp. Between these you will earn the danger zone times. During those times, condoms or abstinence are best. DO NOT USE WITH SHORT TERM PARTNERS, this should be in a LTR where both partners have been tested and are CLEAN.
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/symptothermal-method-22142.htm
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/natural-family-planning-using-the-symptothermal-me.html
Personally I use time of period plus sometimes a few days before as condom free if I am POSITIVE about dates etc, and use them the rest of the time. OR I may use spermicides like VCF but only during low risk times. But I am in a monogamous LTR and both of us have been tested. So far, no failures.
Planned parenthood will give low cost free birth control. Most colleges have condoms in a bowl at the counter of their health clinic, help yourself just act llike you belong. Look up places to get free condoms.
As an aside, I like of the latex brands Class Act- actually well rated and cheap, Crown (cheap on Amazon but be warned, ones I ordered were red a put off to some) - these are thin but strong and preferred by adult industry.
Non latex are my favs but expensive like SKYN Polyisoprene condoms,
Polyurethane also is good for feeling, temp sensitive etc. Trojan Supra etc. Walmart has a good deal on the Trojan Supras usually.
With condoms, read ratings, store properly and READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. It seems straightforward but one study of hundreds of people in the US found about 74% were using improperly!!!!! Used properly, with right size, you are pretty well covered. Its sizing issues, storage issues, and failure to use right that cause problems. This is probably the cheapest method to use for BC and prevents STDs. Finding the right fit can make this well worth being a preferred method. The wrong fit is awful and doesnt feel good at all...
![:\](https://bluelight.org/xf/BL_Images/Orig_Emoji/wrygrin.gif "wry grin :\")
I was 20-21 when it happened. I got preggers like the very next month after I went off of it. 
