How to Choose the Right Birth Control
There are so many different types of birth controls out there that it's easy to get overwhelmed. We break down each type so you can find the one that's perfect for you.
Condoms
You can buy a pack of condoms for about $10 at the drugstore and don't need a doctor's note or parent's permission. Basically, condoms are thin latex or plastic sheaths that cover the penis to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They come in different sizes so no guy (serious no guy) can tell you he's "too big to wear one"). If you or your guy are allergic to latex, you can buy non-latex condoms too. If you can't afford condoms, you can get them for free at almost any health clinic. Click here to find one close to you. Condoms are 82 percent effective with typical use (meaning some people don't use it correctly or it fails).
Related: What If The Condom Breaks?
Female Condoms
Just like male condoms, female condoms protect against pregnancy and STIs and look pretty similar. You insert it into your vagina before having sex and take it out when you're done. If you are already using a condom, don't use a female condom because the friction could cause them to break. Female condoms are effective 79 percent of the time with typical use.
Related: Do They Make Condoms For Girls?
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills come in many different brands, but they all essentially do the same thing: protect against pregnancy. Unlike condoms, they do not protect against STIs as well. Birth control pills work by releasing hormones into your body that block sperm. They require a prescription from your doctor and should be taken the same time every day. Birth control pills are 91 percent effective with typical use.
Just like male condoms, female condoms protect against pregnancy and STIs and look pretty similar. You insert it into your vagina before having sex and take it out when you're done. If you are already using a condom, don't use a female condom because the friction could cause them to break. Female condoms are effective 79 percent of the time with typical use.
Related: Is Birth Control Safe?
Ortho Evra Patch
"The Patch" is a sticky little square similar to a band-aid you wear on your body that releases sperm-blocking hormones. You must get a prescription from your doctor before you can take it. You wear the patch every week, and the fourth week of the month you don't wear one and you'll get your period. It's effective 91 percent of the time and does not protect against STIs.
Nuvaring
This thin, flexible "ring" is inserted into the vagina and worn for three weeks at a time. You take it out for the fourth week when you have your period. When you wear it, you or your partner won't be able to feel it. The Nuvaring releases hormones into your body that block sperm. Since it's a hormone-based contraception, you must get a prescription from your doctor. The Nuvaring is 91 percent effective with typical use and does not protect against STIs.
Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a shallow latex cup you insert into your vagina before sex and take out when you're done. It works similar to the female condom, blocking sperm. But unlike the female condom, you have to meet with your doctor to get one so you can be sized for the perfect fit. But once you have one, you can use it for up to 10 years. It's typically used in combination with a spermicide, a cream or gel that kills sperm. The diaphragm is 88 percent effective and does not protect against STIs.
Depro-Provera Shot
Depro-Provera shots are given by your doctor once every three months and release hormones into your body to protect against pregnancy, but not STIs. You won't get your period while using this birth control method. It's 94 percent effective with typical use.
IUD
The IUD is a small, plastic T-shaped device that a doctor inserts into your uterus to prevent pregnancy and can stay in your body for up to five years. It works by releasing hormones into the body that block sperm. Though it does not protect against STIs, it's 99 percent effective.
Implanon
Similar to the IUD, Implanon is a small rod inserted into the body by a doctor (but instead of the uturus, it's interted into your arm) and can be worn for up to three years. Like the IUD, it doesn't protect against STIs and is 99 percent effective.
Sponge
The sponge is similar to the diaphragm in the way that it's inserted into the vagina before sex and often used in conjuction with a spermicide. The spounge is about 2 inches big and works by blocking sperm. Each spounge is only used one time and you can buy them at drugstores. The spounge is 76-88 percent effective and does not protect against STIs.
Related: Can I give him an STD?
Emergency Contraception (EC)
Also know as "the morning after pill", EC should not be used as a primary form of birth control. It should be thought of as a back-up method as a way to prevent pregnancy if your birth control failed or you didn't use any at all. The reason why it shouldn't be used as a primary form of birth control is because it works by releasing high levels of hormones into your body. You can buy EC at the drugstore on your own if you're 17 or older. If you're 16 or younger, you need to get a prescription from a doctor. EC does not prevent againstSTIs.
For more information on birth control, visit StayTeen.org.
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