Birth Control / Calgary Sexual Health

Birth Control

It’s your choice

There is no ‘best choice’ of birth control that works for everyone. Every person has the right to decide on the method that is best for them. How do I know what method of birth control is right for me?

There are many things to consider when choosing a form of birth control. It is important for people to know the facts about each method to be able to make an informed choice that suits their needs, health, values and lifestyle.

Some possible questions both men and women may want to consider when choosing a method that’s right for them are:

How effective is this method?
Can I use this method, or do I have to rely on a partner to use it effectively?
Does this method protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections?
How is this method used? Does it fit my needs and lifestyle?
Does this method have any side effects? If yes, what are they?
What is the cost of this method?
How available is this method and where can I find it?
How will this method affect my ability to have or cause a pregnancy in the future?
Do I have an allergy or medical condition that will affect my ability to use this method?
How do I feel about applying this method to my body?
How do I feel about taking hormones or my partner having to take hormones?

For more information about the forms of birth control available, or to discuss which method(s) would work for you, please contact the Calgary Sexual Health Centre at 403-283-5580 to speak with one of our counsellors, or talk to a health care provider. Knowing your options will help you decide on the best method for you.

The information presented here is intended as general information only. It is not intended to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not intended to replace an in-person consultation with a healthcare professional.

What methods of birth control protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

There are only three methods of birth control that protect individuals from STIs. These are the male condom, female condom and abstinence (which includes abstaining from oral and anal sex). If you are worried about getting an STI from your partner you should either abstain or use a condom (during oral, vaginal or anal sex). Another option might be talking to your partner about their previous sexual history and whether they have had recent STI testing done. If you or your partner have not had recent STI testing it may be a good idea to consult your doctor or local STI clinic about getting tested.

How do I know what method of birth control is right for me?

There is no ‘best choice’ of birth control that works for everyone. You have to decide what will work best for you. Look at the options and decide on a method that feels right for you. There are many things to consider when choosing a form of birth control. Some people need to consider such things as effectiveness, side effects, ease of use, accessibility, cost, possible allergies or other medical conditions, and comfort levels around inserting certain methods vaginally or taking hormones. Choosing a birth control method that works for you may require some planning. It should be something that you feel comfortable with. As you move into different stages in your life your birth control needs may change. Remember, you can always switch methods if your circumstances change or if you are having concerns. You may want to speak to a health professional about your options or to discuss your concerns or questions. If you would like more information about the different forms of birth control that are available please check out the birth control section of our website or call and speak to one of our counsellors.

How can I get the emergency contraception pill (ECP)?

In some provinces (including Alberta ), women can buy ECP directly from a pharmacist. The pharmacist will ask some basic questions, fill the prescription and instruct the woman about usage. Some pharmacists may not prescribe ECP so it is best to call ahead to make sure. Women can also access ECP by prescription from their doctor or a walk-in clinic. This prescription would need to be taken to a pharmacy to be filled. If you are unsure about whether ECP is available directly from a pharmacist in your province you can call your doctor or local pharmacy to inquire. A woman can start taking the emergency contraception pill within 120 hours (or 5 days) of unprotected intercourse. Women who want to take ECP should try to access the pills as soon as possible to maintain a high level of effectiveness. If a woman is able to access ECP within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse she will reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75 to 89%.

Can using hormonal birth control affect my future fertility?

Using hormonal forms of birth control will not make women infertile. However, once a woman goes off hormonal forms of birth control it may take some time for her to resume her normal menstrual cycles and to release an egg. Depending on the woman it can take up to a year to regain her fertility. Many of the reasons that women have trouble conceiving are not related to hormonal birth control use. For example, on average, it takes about eight months to become pregnant once a couple starts trying. Fertility and conception are based on many factors, such as age of partners, sperm count, frequency of intercourse, timing of intercourse, etc. While a woman is taking birth control pills, any fertility problem is masked. Many people in their childbearing years can have infertility problems which do not become obvious until after the woman stops taking hormonal forms of birth control and she begins to try to get pregnant. If you are concerned about fertility issues you should discuss these concerns with your health care provider.