Better Sex Now: An Age-by-Age Guide to Sexual Satisfaction and Health

What You Need to Know About Birth Control

In your 20s: Keep emergency contraception (EC) on hand. Even though EC is technically available over the counter, you still have to ask the pharmacist for it, and some may not be willing to sell it for religious or personal reasons. Getting a prescription filled now and stashing EC in your medicine cabinet can prevent a last-minute crisis. NuvaRing can eliminate the oops-I-forgot-to-take-my-pill factor. "Most birth control pills are so low-dose, you can ovulate or have irregular bleeding or spotting if you take it even a few hours late," says Dr. Hutcherson. NuvaRing is inserted into the vagina (where it releases hormones that prevent ovulation) once a month for three weeks, with one week each month off.

In your 30s: Oral contraceptives can raise your risk of blood clots if you're over 35 -- especially if you smoke. To be safe, or if you've just had a baby and want to get pregnant again soon, experts recommend opting for a nonhormonal method, such as condoms or a diaphragm.

In your 40s: Tubal ligation (or a vasectomy for him) is a great option if you don't want more kids. These procedures may sound scary, but they're goof-proof and can be safer than using hormones at this point in your life, says Dr. Silber. Not ready for such a permanent step? "Consider the IUD," says Dr. Hutcherson. If you have painful periods, choose one that secretes progesterone -- it will reduce or eliminate your period by shrinking the uterine lining.