What's Your Birth Control Personality?
By Dana Hudepohl
The average woman uses birth control for at least three decades. So you must really like yours, right? Probably not. Seventy percent of women use a BC that they would change in some way if they could, according to a survey sponsored by Merck. Take this quiz, developed with the help of Pamela D. Berens, MD., professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, to see which type will keep you not pregnant and happy.
Related: Your Birth Control Options-The Complete Guide
1. If you made a New Year's resolution to take daily vitamins, what would happen?
A. I'd spend an hour reading labels at a health food store before choosing a brand.
B. I'd buy chewables.
C. I'd start on January 1 and never miss a day.
D. I'd try my best but end up skipping more than I take.
2. How do you feel about your period?
A. It's a natural part of life. I deal.
B. It interferes with my workouts.
C. I'd do anything to make it go away.
D. It's a big inconvenience, especially when I run out of supplies.
3. Are you okay with skipping your period?
A. No way. That seems so unnatural, plus I'd worry I'd end up on I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant.
B. Only if I could do it by taking a pill.
C. Sign me up!
D. Fine, as long as it doesn't require any special effort from me.
Related: What to Eat for an Easier Period
4. Do you use tampons?
A. Only organic ones.
B. No. The closest I come to touching my vagina is when I shave my legs.
C. Grudgingly.
D. Yes, though I often forget to change them.
5. What's your norm when it comes to ob-gyn visits?
A. I go once a year -- no biggie.
B. I dread them. The exam makes me uncomfortable and a little queasy.
C. I'm there ASAP whenever I have a concern, and I ask a lot of questions.
D. It's a hassle for me to find time to go.
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Results
Mostly A's
The Naturalist
You would relinquish your gym membership before putting hormones in your body.
Birth control options for you: IUD, condoms, emergency contraception, sterilization
Mostly B's
The Bodyguard
Birth control devices -- IUDs, implants -- give you the heebie-jeebies.
Birth control options for you: The pill, the patch, the shot, condoms, emergency contraception, sterilization
Mostly C's
The Control Freak
You're all about doing whatever it takes to prevent pregnancy and tinkering with your periods to fit your schedule.
Birth control options for you: The pill, the patch, vaginal ring, condoms, emergency contraception, sterilization
Mostly D's
The Delegator
For you, convenience comes first.
Birth control options for you: The implant, IUD, condoms, emergency contraception, sterilization
*All birth control methods have safety risks and possible side effects. Be sure to discuss these thoroughly with your doctor.
Sources: Pamela D. Berens, MD, professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive science at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and Abbey Berenson, MD, professor of ob-gyn and director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health at the University of Texas at Galveston.
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