baby later

 

Actually, it’s pretty simple: either don’t have sex….or use contraception (birth control), correctly, every time, if you have sex.

“It won’t happen to me”… Actually, it probably will!
9 out of 10 couples having unprotected sex will have a pregnancy within a year.

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Abstinence:

Abstinence is not having sex—and this is really the safest and healthiest choice teens can make.

Choosing not to have sex is excellent birth control. Abstinence is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy–as long as it is used consistently and correctly!

Abstinence means not having sex—not vaginal sex *, not oral sex *, and not anal sex *, either.

Of course, pregnancy can only happen if sperm enter the vagina, that is, with vaginal sex….But you CAN get sexually transmitted diseases from oral sex and from anal sex.

 

Contraception (Birth Control):

There are lots of methods to prevent pregnancy! Nothing is perfect (except abstinence). Each method has advantages and disadvantages. More info on birth control here, here, and here.

Hormonal Methods: these contain female hormones, and they work mostly by stopping the female’s ovary from releasing an egg. These require a prescription, and that means visiting a health provider or clinic.

  • The Pill (oral contraceptive) is taken by mouth every day, on schedule, and is very effective. The pill is very safe and does not cause cancer or weight gain, but there are some very small risks of serious blood clots. For most females, the pill is safer than a pregnancy would be.
  • The Patch is worn on the skin (back, abdomen, arm, or buttocks) and is replaced with a new patch once a week for 3 weeks. During the 4th week, no patch is worn. The patch has the same hormones (and similar risks) to the pill, and it probably gives a little higher dose of hormone than most pills.
  • The Ring is inserted into the vagina, where it worn for 3 weeks, then removed. After a week without, a new ring is inserted. The ring has the same hormones as the pill, and similar risks.
  • The Shot (Depo-Provera®) is injected once every 3 months and is highly effective. Most females have irregular vaginal bleeding, or no bleeding at all. Taking the shot is extremely safe. It reduces the amount of calcium in the bones (bone density) a little, but this returns to normal after the shot is stopped. Some females gain weight on the shot.
  • The Implant (Implanon®) is inserted under the skin of the upper arm (minor surgery) during a clinic visit, and is extremely effective in preventing pregnancy for 3 years. Some girls or women have unpredictable vaginal bleeding while using the implant.

Barrier Methods:  These methods put a barrier between the male’s sperm and the female’s egg to prevent pregnancy.

  • Condoms – Male latex condoms work by blocking the sperm from entering the vagina. Condoms are effective pregnancy prevention, and they also reduce the risk of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They are available without a prescription, and you don’t have to be any certain age to get them. Of course, to be effective, they must be used correctly, every time!
  • Female Condoms are made of polyurethane (plastic), and are worn by the female. Available without a prescription.
  • The Sponge (Today®) is a polyurethane sponge with spermicide (a chemical that kills sperm). The sponge that is wetted with water and inserted in the vagina before having sex. It is left in
  • Diaphragms and Cervical Caps have to be fitted by a health professional. These are less effective, and few women use them.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD): These are plastic T-shaped devices placed inside the uterus of the female by a health provider. They are extremely effective and work by preventing fertilization of the egg by the sperm.

  • Copper IUD (ParaGard®) works for 10 years
  • An IUD with progestin (Mirena®) works for 5 years

Other Methods:

  • Withdrawal (Pulling Out) means the males pulls his penis out of the vagina before he ejaculates (comes). This is less effective than most other methods—and gives no protection from HIV or other STDs.
  • Spermicides such as foam, film, gel, and suppositories have a chemical that kills sperm. These are inserted into the vagina before having sex. They are less effective than most other methods, and they are not recommended for people who might be at risk for STDs.
  • Natural Family Planning (sometimes called “rhythm”) is less effective than many other methods. Couples who use these methods need special education and excellent cooperation.
  • Sterilization (a female getting her tubes “tied”, or a male getting a vasectomy) — these are permanent methods of birth control. These should not be chosen unless someone is sure they do not want to have any more children ever.

Don’t Forget Abstinence! Not having sex is always an option, even if you have been sexually active before.