According to a study published in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, about 50% of all unplanned pregnancies occur while women were actually using contraception during the month that they conceived. One of the main reasons that contribute to birth control failure is user error. Before you take it, do you read the package insert of a new prescription medication? If you are finding yourself asking, Huh? There is an information sheet in my prescription box…read on!

One question that I am often emailed about often is whether or not it is okay to use antibiotics while on the Pill. There are several types of medication and/or supplements that can decrease the effectiveness of the birth control pill. Its important to keep in mind, these same medications also can compromise the success rate of other hormonal birth control methods as well – such as the NuvaRing, OrthoEvra Patch, Depo Provera Shot, and Mirena IUD.

• Know what medications could compromise your contraception, and make sure to use a back-up method (like a condom or the sponge) if you have to use one of them.

It is also a good idea to check with your health-care provider before taking a new medication just to make sure that it does not lower your birth control’s effectiveness.

Hormonal Birth Control Photo © 2009 Dawn Stacey

It seems that sometimes even merely discussing the notion of abstinence is met with reactions suggesting that you are living in the dark ages! The FACT of the matter is that abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective (both in preventing pregnancies and most sexually transmitted infections).

It is also a fact that practicing abstinence takes self-control and responsibility. Yet, ultimately, it is your decision to choose abstinence -you are the one in control, and you always have the choice to decide to hold off from having a sexual relationship. Abstinence is not unrealistic, yet it is also not as simple as just proclaiming that you will not have sex.

When it comes to abstinence, it is helpful to look at yourself and your lifestyle realistically. Sometimes, with time, a love relationship may change, so your decision to remain abstinent could change as well. You then need to decide if you are okay with this. It all comes down to the same premise - the choice is always yours. Keep in mind, though, it is also wise to have a back-up plan (just incase) – experiences and stories that I have heard over the years suggest that vows of abstinence tend to be more likely to break than condoms.

• What is Abstinence?
• Helpful Tips on Maintaining Abstinence

_{Abstinence Photo Courtesy of Ian Waldie / Getty Images}

With holiday parties and passionate kisses ringing in the New Year, it’s only natural to start thinking about our new year’s resolutions. As we find ourselves seeking out new love relationships or strengthening the ones we are already in, remember to be thinking…Birth Control! I know that choosing the right contraceptive is not an easy task and is a very personal decision. While writing up your resolutions for this year, add picking out a reliable birth control method to the list. I know that one of my resolutions is to provide you all with the most comprehensive birth control information that I can. Please feel free to share your thoughts in my Contraceptive Forum and let me know what information you want to know about.

With so much information out there – you may be wondering where to even begin? It would be great if we could just spin a wheel and have it land on “use the pill” or "condoms are for you”. Until that approach becomes more dependable, how about starting with determining the reasons why you want to use contraception? Before even attempting the task of tackling all the available information about birth control methods, first, stop and breathe, then take a look at yourself, your lifestyle, and your needs:

• Overview of Available Contraception
• Questions To Consider When Choosing a Method of Birth Control
• Before You Choose A Birth Control Method

For more information, please sign up for my FREE Weekly Contraception Newsletter. This will be delivered to your email each week and will include all of the week’s information as well as highlighting other news and events in the contraceptive world.

_{Photo courtesy of Microsoft Office}

Even though Christmas is fast approaching, I would like to wish all my Jewish readers a Happy Hanukkah (which is currently going on). Jewish people everywhere are celebrating this festival of lights – a time commemorating the great miracle of the oil lasting for eight nights. You can enjoy your latkes and donuts but be careful about oil-based lubricants as they can damage latex condoms, which could ruin your holiday festivities (and lead to an unintended Hanukkah present)!

• Instead, try some of these silicone-based lubricants

Have Fun!

_{Photo courtesy of Microsoft Office}