When considering birth control methods, a woman should keep in mind her overall health, reproductive and otherwise.
Health benefits associated with different birth control methods range from disease and pregnancy prevention to clearer skin, emotional well-being, stress reduction, and cancer prevention. There are also things to watch out for when you are considering a birth control method. If you're allergic to latex, condoms might not work for you. And side effects of birth control pills include abnormal menstrual bleeding, migraines, weight gain, blood clots, and among other problems.
In terms of a woman's reproductive health, there are lifesaving diagnostic and preventive tests: the Pap smear; the breast self-exam; and a procedure called dilation and curettage, or D&C. Find out the reasons that Pap smears are done, and what to look and feel for when doing a breast self-exam.