News of the rising cost of hormonal pills and other forms of contraceptives often drives users to quit and just rely on no-cost but ineffective means of birth control like the rhythm method. However, instead of helping them save more money, this form of birth control is likely to cost them more since it is the contraception method with the most incidence of accidental pregnancies.



If you want to save on birth control but remain protected at the same time, read on for some practical tips:

1. Talk to a clinician or gynecologist about the different contraception options available.

Awareness of the different contraception options available today can help you decide which will work better for your lifestyle and budget. Your clinician or gynecologist is the best person to talk to about your birth control options. They can provide you with a thorough discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of each birth control option.

For example, an IUD insertion set you back by at least $250 while a pill pack can cost $20-$40. At first glance, pills are the cheaper choice. But when you consider that you have to spend for it every month, the cost piles up. However, an IUD works for at least five to 10 years, so if you don't want a baby yet for another half a decade or so, an IUD is a practical choice.

2. Be honest about your medical history.

Your medical history plays a vital part in determining which form of birth control is right for you. Discuss past illnesses and chronic conditions with your clinician or gynecologist. Habits like smoking and drinking can also affect how certain forms of contraceptive will respond to your body. Hence, it is important to be upfront about these to your clinician. Certain medications like antibiotics can also interfere with the effects of some birth control methods.

3. Consider supplemental or backup contraceptive.

Whether you opt for pills, IUD, or birth control shots like Depo-Provera, it is always practical to use a backup form of contraceptive. Condoms are a good choice for this purpose since they provide dual protection against accidental pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are also cheap and only cost about a dollar each. Some community clinics and Planned Parenthood offices provide free condoms.

4. Read information leaflets thoroughly.

Most forms of birth control, especially oral contraceptives, come with information leaflets. Do not toss the leaflet in the bin, but read it carefully for instructions and contraindications on taking the pills. It is more costly to seek medication for severe side effects of pill intake compared to spending a few minutes reading up on necessary information.

5. Follow instructions carefully.

Improper use of any contraception method reduces its effectiveness by as much as 50 percent. If you are using condoms, use latex-friendly lubricants to decrease friction, which can cause tearing. It is also important to put a condom on properly to avoid ruptures during sex. For oral contraceptives, it is important that pills are taken at the same time daily. Missing a dose can make the entire pill pack ineffective for the rest of the cycle.

A few extra efforts can serve you well if you plan on saving on birth control. If these tips seem too much, just consider how much emergency birth control, prenatal checkups, pregnancy vitamins, delivery, and baby care products can cost you in case of a slipup.