The capsule. IUDs. Vaginal rings. Contraceptive injections. Arm implants. Diaphragms. Condoms. With so many choices to select from, selecting out the proper contraception technique for you might be… so much.

Between 2017 and 2019, roughly 65 % of ladies aged 15 to 49 in the US used contraception—and but they nonetheless face quite a few challenges, from potential unwanted side effects to managing the prices, notably for individuals whose insurance coverage protection would not embrace contraception.

However, you do have some assist: Through the use of GoodRx’s free prescription financial savings platform, it can save you a median of $43 on contraception capsules. You can even discover cost-effective options for a lot of totally different strategies of contraception, due to GoodRx’s producer partnerships.

However how have you learnt which of these choices is best for you? Sophie Vergnaud, MD, senior medical director at GoodRx, is sharing three questions you possibly can ask your self to assist slender down your choices. And, for these on the lookout for extra details about contraception usually, a useful useful resource is GoodRx’s Girls’s Well being Hub, the place you’ll find in depth instructional sources about contraception choices and obtainable financial savings.

1. Are you okay with making contraception a part of your every day routine?

All of us have that pal whose alarm goes off throughout each social gathering, reminding her to take her contraception. In case you’re cool with becoming a member of her ranks, then the capsule—the most typical type of contraception—could also be a very good possibility for you. It has been round for many years and has two major varieties: Mixture capsules that comprise estrogen and progestin and mini capsules that comprise solely progestin (like the primary FDA-approved over-the-counter contraception capsule, Opill). The capsule is 99 % efficient—however provided that you’re taking it on the similar time every single day and do not miss a dose, Dr. Vergnaud says. (Therefore the alarm.)

By checking GoodRx, you might save a median of $43 on contraception medicines, and discover financial savings on widespread contraception capsules similar to Loestrin or Yaz. Nevertheless, there are nonetheless different inexpensive choices obtainable to you if the every day reminder is not your factor. “In case your way of life makes this difficult otherwise you don’t wish to have to consider contraception every single day, take into account an IUD or injection,” Dr. Vergnaud says.

A hoop is one other good set-it-and-forget it possibility. Attempt the month-to-month NuvaRing for as little as $48 a month by way of GoodRx, or the annual Annovera ring, which works out to $1 per day. No cellphone alarms obligatory.

2. Are you frightened about unwanted side effects?

You have more than likely heard tales from pals (or skilled some your self) in regards to the potential uncomfortable unwanted side effects of contraception—ahem, complications, nausea, temper modifications, and breast tenderness. In case you’re delicate to most of these unwanted side effects, it’s possible you’ll wish to take into account a non-hormonal or low-dose contraception possibility, similar to Lo Loestrin Fe, which incorporates solely 10 micrograms of every day estrogen. “From vaginal rings, to patches, IUDs, implants, and injections—you might have many choices,” Dr. Vergnaud says. “You’ll discover one thing that works effectively for you.”

Discuss to your health-care skilled—whether or not that be a physician or a pharmacist (sure, in 34 states and Washington D.C., pharmacists are allowed to prescribe contraception)—about your choices.

3. Are you on the lookout for contraception that doubles as remedy?

Contraception can do greater than stop being pregnant. “Some types of contraception double up as remedy for a complete vary of situations—together with hormonal pimples, temper issues, fibroids, and endometriosis,” Dr. Vergnaud says. “Relying on what different well being considerations you’re making an attempt to deal with, it might make sense to modify your contraception to maximise the advantages.”

The most typical instance of that is the capsule, which might be prescribed to deal with ache from intervals, PCOS, and endometriosis, in addition to to assist clear up pimples.

Backside line: You do not have to navigate the difficult world of contraception alone. Though figuring it out could not be a precise science, tapping GoodRx for information and financial savings—and dealing along with your health-care skilled—can assist put you answerable for your well being care.