Thinking about having sex? Already having sex? Then you need to be thinking about birth control, too. It's easy to get caught up in the moment, but the decisions you make about sex and birth control can last a lifetime. All it takes is one sperm meeting one egg and your life will be changed forever.
The only 100% effective form of birth control is abstinence. Abstinence, if you've been living under a rock, is refraining (abstaining) from sexual intercourse entirely.
If you're not planning to practice abstinence, then you need to consider your birth control options.
As a teenager, a vasectomy and female sterilization (tubal ligation, hysterectomy) are probably not birth control options. Why? Despite their effectiveness, these methods aren't always reversible, so most doctors won't perform the surgeries on teenagers.
Let's talk about the other forms of birth control, arranged in order of effectiveness. Some birth control options also help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but most do not. The following information is, in part, thanks to Planned Parenthood:
IUD (Intra-uterine device) - A small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a doctor. There are two types of IUDs - the Copper IUD and the Hormone IUD.
Effective: 99% if inserted properly; however, in women who have not been previously pregnant, there is a slightly higher chance of expulsion (in other words, the IUD might come out).
Lasts: upwards of 5 years (hormone) to 10 years (copper)
STD Protection: No
Cost: $500-1000 up front
Birth Control Implant - A matchstick-shaped rod containing the hormone progestin; inserted into the arm inserted by a doctor.
Effective: 99.9%; certain medications may make the implant less effective.
Lasts: up to 3 years
STD Protection: No
Cost: $400-800 up front
Birth Control Shot - A hormone-based prescription injected in the arm to prevent pregnancy.
Effective: 99% IF the shot is given every twelve weeks.
Lasts: 12 weeks
STD Protection: No
Costs: $35-75 per shot, plus exam fees (if applicable)
Birth Control Pills - Hormone-based pills that are prescribed by a doctor and taken every day to prevent pregnancy.
Effective: 99% when taken as directed. The Mini Pill, which contains no estrogen, is 95% effective when taken as directed.
It is important to note that some medications decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.
STD Protection: No
Costs: $15-50 a month
Birth Control Ring - A small, flexible ring you put into your vagina every three weeks (one week off for menstruation).
Effective: 99% time when used properly
Lasts: 3 weeks at a time
STD Protection: No
Costs $15-70 a month
Birth Control Patch - A small patch that sticks on your skin like a band-aid to prevent pregnancy; the skin will absorb hormones delivered by the patch.
Effective: 99% of the time when used properly. Women who are over 198 lbs. may find it less effective.
It is important to note that some medications can lower the effectiveness of the patch.
Lasts: One week per patch, with the fourth week patch-free to allow for menstruation.
STD Protection: No
Costs: $15-70 a month
Diaphragm - A shallow silicone cup inserted into the vagina before and after sex. To be most effective, the diaphragm should be used with spermicide.
Effective: Rates vary per reports from 88-94%; effectiveness is increased by the use of spermicide.
Lasts: Up to two years
STD Protection: No
Costs: $15-75
Male Condom - Latex or plastic condom worn over the penis for vaginal, oral or anal sex
Effective: 98% of the time when used properly and before expiration date. Condoms with spermicide are more effective in preventing pregnancy; however, the use of spermicide can irritate the skin and increase the chances of STD transmission.
Lasts: One condom per sexual encounter
STD Protection: Yes, reduces risks of some STDs
Costs: Approximately $1 per condom, although some clinics pass them out for free and the cost is lowered when purchased in bigger quantities.
Female Condom - A plastic pouch inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases.
Effectiveness: 95% if used properly, 79% if used improperly. The female condom is more effective against pregnancy when used with spermicide; however, the use of spermicide can irritate the skin and increase the chances of STD transmission.
Lasts: One condom per sexual encounter
STD Prevention: Reduces risks for STDs
Costs: about $4
Sponge - A foam sponge containing spermicide that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix during intercourse.
Effectiveness: 91% effective if used properly, 88% if used improperly. Women who have given birth before have a slightly higher risk of pregnancy using the sponge. The sponge can be used in conjunction with a male condom to offer additional pregnancy prevention.
Lasts: 30 hours (can be used for multiple sexual encounters). The sponge can be placed up to 24 hours prior to intercourse and must be left in place for at least 6 hours following sex; however, it must not be worn more than 30 hours in a row.
STD Prevention: No
Costs: $9-15 for a three pack of sponges
Cervical Cap - A silicone cap inserted into the vagina along with spermicide to cover the cervix and prevent pregnancy.
Effectiveness: 86% for those who haven't given birth vaginally, 71% effective for those who have given birth vaginally.
Lasts: 36 hours. The cervical cap can be used for more than one sexual encounter before being removed if spermicide is reapplied to the outside of the cap. It must be left in place for at least 6 hours following sex, but should not be worn longer than 36 hours. The cap should typically be replaced about every 2 years.
STD Prevention: No
Costs: $60-75
Withdrawal/Pull-Out-N-Pray - "Pull out method" or "coitus interruptus" is when the man pulls his penis out of the vagina before orgasm/ejaculation.
Effectiveness: 96% effective if done properly, 73% effective if done improperly. It is important to note that pre-ejaculate fluid can contain enough semen to result in a pregnancy; chances can be lessened if the male urinates directly prior to sex.
STD prevention: No
Cost: Free, unless you end up with a baby!
Spermicide - Substance that stops sperm from moving; can be used alone or along with other birth control methods.
Effectiveness: 85% if use as directed, 71% if not used as directed.
STD Prevention: No; in fact, spermicide can irritate the genital tissue and increase the likelihood of STD transmission.
Cost: $8 per package
Rhythm Method (Also known as Natural Family Planning) Uses the tracking of a woman’s period to know what days she is likely to be ovulating. There are different methods in tracking your fertility: calendar, basal temperature, cervical mucus and standard days. The key to using the rhythm method is keeping track EVERY DAY of your fertility and using other protection on those days.
It is important to note that some people use this method to try to get pregnant, rather than prevent a pregnancy. Unless you plan on tracking your fertility EVERY DAY, use another method.
Effectiveness: 76% when used correctly
STD Prevention: No
Cost: An instructional class (cost varies), and a basal temperature thermometer $10-$12
Related Resource Pages on Band Back Together:
Resources:
If you are in need of immediate assistance due to failed birth control or sexual assault, you have 72 hours to prevent pregnancy. Contact the Emergency Contraception Hotline for assistance: 1-800-584-9911.
Planned Parenthood offers a wealth of resources and educational information. For those who have no health care coverage, Planned Parenthood provides low cost gynecological services.
The Emergency Contraception Website can help you locate a provider near you who can provide the morning after pill.
National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association focuses on advocacy for reproductive rights for low-income and uninsured individuals.
Amplify's Youth Resource offers reproductive and sexual health information for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender and questioning teens, as well as peer support.
Scarleteen is a sexuality education and support organization for teens that provides online interactive tools and referral services.
Sex Etc. is an online magazine written by teens for teens.
