Do You Know Enough About Birth Control?

birth control
birth control

Perhaps you've avoided becoming a teen mom, but how much do you really know about your birth control?

Test your knowledge with this Q & A:

1. Which method of birth control has the lowest failure rate when used consistently and correctly?

Depo-Provera Injection, commonly called "the shot," is an injection of a synthetic hormone that is given every 3 months to stop ovulation. After injection, the medication is active within 24 hours and lasts for 3 months. It prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs and has a failure rate of 0.3%.

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2. Which birth control method prevents the spread of STDs as well as unintended pregnancy?

Condoms are one of the few birth control methods that act as a barrier for sexually transmitted diseases. While other methods such as oral contraception and vaginal rings prevent unintended pregnancy, they do not protect you or your partner from STDs.


3. If you forget to take a birth control pill and don't remember until the next day, what should you do?

If you forget to take a birth control pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, go ahead and take 2 pills that day. If you forget to take your pill for 2 days, you must use another form of birth control until you finish the pill pack.

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4. True or False?: Emergency contraception such as Plan B or Next Choice can be used as regular forms of birth control.

False. Emergency contraception is for emergency use only and should not be relied upon as a regular method of birth control. It is intended only for partners whose birth control has failed or partners who have had unprotected sex.

5. If your birth control has failed, up to how many days do you have to take emergency contraception?

If you've had sex without
birth control or your birth control method failed, you can take emergency contraception, often called "the morning-after pill," up to 72 hours after, however, the sooner you take it, the better.

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6. Which birth control method is effective for up to 5-10 years?

Intrauterine devices (IUDs). IUDs are small, "T-shaped" devices made of flexible plastic that are inserted by a health care provider into a woman's uterus to prevent pregnancy. When an IUD is in place, it acts as birth control for 5 -10 years, depending on the type.

7. How often do you have to change a vaginal ring?

The vaginal ring, or the NuvaRing, is similar to combination pills, but they don't require daily pills. The ring is changed monthly. You insert the ring for 3 weeks and then remove it for 1 week to allow for your period.

Take the full birth control quiz at LCTV.com.

Dr. Drew sits down with the stars of "Teen Mom" as they reveal the struggles of motherhood. In this episode, the girls will also host a town hall meeting to educate local high-schoolers on the importance of birth control. Tune-in to Lifechangers on Wednesday, February 7th at 3PM on the CW to see the full episode!




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