I am 18 years old and had a baby two months ago. Because I don’t want to get pregnant again I have used a spermicidal insert, but for the past three days, I’ve had horrid itching sensations. What birth control method is the most effective?
The itching could be related to the spermicide or it could be an infection of some sort. Perhaps your vagina hasn’t quite returned to its normal level of acidity and bacterial balance. At two months post-partum, it makes sense to check in with your OB/GYN when you are having a problem such as this.
As to birth control, abstinence is the most effective method, but it is obviously not applicable to all people in all situations. Sterilization is also highly effective, but it is inappropriate for an 18-year old woman.
Hormonal methods, such as the pill and Norplant may be the answer for you. But if you have more than one sexual partner, you should consider using some combination of methods that includes condoms, such as condoms and a spermicide.
Condoms offer reasonably good protection against sexually transmitted diseases, but used alone, they are less reliable at preventing pregnancy.
Talk with your doctor about what might work best for you. For more information, give your local Planned Parenthood chapter a call.