No-Fuss Birth Control
No fuss birth control ensures you won’t get pregnant and requires little remembering. If you’re one of the gazillions of teens who sometimes forgets to take a pill, consider one of these options. These do not protect against STDs, so they’re best when coupled with a condom.
The IUD
A small, t-shaped piece of plastic that goes in a woman’s uterus and protects against pregnancy for three to 12 years (but can be removed any time). Major perks include:
- Super effective.
- Always available (one-time insertion and you’re done!)
- Completely private.
- Long-term coverage (between three and 12 years)
The Implant
A tiny matchstick-sized rod that goes in a girl’s upper arm; it’s good for up to three years (but can be removed any time). Major perks include:
- Super effective.
- Always available (one-time insertion and you’re done!)
- Completely private.
- Long-term coverage (three years)
The Shot
Just what it sounds like—a shot that a girl gets; you need a new shot once every three months. Major perks include:
- Super effective.
- Always available (if you keep up with your appointments).
- Completely private.
- Longer-term coverage (shots are good for three months at a time).
Some-Fuss Birth Control
The pill and waiting are great ways to keep you baby-free but require a little remembering (or self-control).
Waiting (AKA Abstinence)
Choosing not to have sex (until you’re married, until you’re ready…whatever) is the only 100% effective method of birth control. Major perks include:
- Super effective.
- Always available.
- Also protects against most STDs (though some STDs can spread through kissing or genital-to-genital contact).
- No visit to a medical provider required.
Minor drawbacks include:
- You have to be perfect every single time and it can be hard to say no!
- If you change your mind and decide to become sexually active, you have to plan ahead and have some kind of birth control on hand.
The Pill
A pill a girl takes at about the same time every day; there are lots of different options. Major perks include:
- Effective (when used correctly)
- Relatively private
Minor drawbacks include:
- Some women have trouble remembering to take their pill or to take it at the same time every day which is key to making sure it’s effective, so use a condom, too.
- Like no-fuss methods, does not protect against STDs.
Condoms
Condoms are a form of contraception that is considered to be a barrier method. Barrier methods are a type of birth control that act as a physical barrier that keeps the sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms are the only birth control method that can protect you from both STIs and pregnancy. There are many kinds of condoms out there! You can choose from internal, external, even latex-free if you or your partner has an allergy.
Other barrier methods include;
- Contraceptive Sponge – this soft, disk shaped device is made out of polyurethane foam and contains spermicide. It placed against the cervix and stops the sperm from entering the uterus.
- Diaphragm, Cervical Cap or Shield – All of these methods work in a similar fashion. They are solid latex or silicone cups that fit over the cervix. Some come in one size while others are fitted to your body. Like the sponge, they are more effective when used with spermicide.
Consider this:
1. Sex lasts longer with a condom. Most of the time, anyway. While quantity doesn’t always equality quality, longer-lasting sex is generally better sex – for both you and your partner.
2. There is a condom for everyone. Because variations in condoms are specially designed to enhance pleasure in different ways, you can easily find a kind and brand you and your partner enjoy. And if you’re the adventurous type, you can try different types of condoms with each experience.
3. Gearing up can be sexy too. There’s no rule that says putting on a condom must be a solo performance. Get creative! Teamwork makes the dream work, right?
Remember:
1. Two for the price of one. Condoms help protect both you and your partner. In fact, condoms are the only birth control method that protects 1. against pregnancy and 2. against STDs. (When it comes to STD protection, lambskin condoms are less effective; hormonal contraception like “the pill” and “the patch” don’t protect against STDs at all.)
2. No glove, no love. Condoms should be used anytime penetrative sex is happening. Even oral sex, you ask? Yup, even during oral sex. Use a new condom anytime you switch holes or partners. It is important to note that you should be using condoms with certain sex toys, especially in relationships where they are shared.
3. Stay in it to win it. Use a condom from start to finish to effectively block the transfer of fluids between partners.
4. Stock up today. Condoms are available at drug stores and our reproductive health centers for people of any age. No prescription required.
Had sex without condoms? Don’t fret—you (and your partner) can get tested for STDs and pregnancy at MFHS. Find a location near you.