Birth Control

Teens who do not use contraceptives have a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within one year. It is important to know your options when it comes to birth control and preventing pregnancy, and STDs. Here are some methods of birth control you can use to prevent pregnancy.

Male Condom: The male condom is basically like a rubber tube which boys use, covering the penis, and preventing sperm from entering the girl’s body. The male condom is inexpensive, and about 98% effective for preventing pregnancy. This is also one of the only ways to prevent STDs so it is EXTREMELY important to use.

Female Condom: This method is a less popular, and slightly more expensive alternative to the male condom. The female condom also prevents STDs, but is a little less effective for preventing pregnancy if not inserted correctly. It is inserted into the vagina and prevents sperm from entering the cervix.

Spermicide: This kills sperm and prevents it from traveling into the cervix and causing fertilization of the egg. Spermicide comes in foams, tablets, gels, and creams. Spermicide is often found in the lubrication of some male condoms. It is not very effective on its own and should be used along with another form of birth control.

Birth Control Pill: The birth control pill is a pill containing hormones called Oestrogen and Progestogen. They stop the ovaries of releasing mature eggs, preventing fertilization and implantation of the egg.

The birth control pill can be tricky considering it needs to be taken properly. Girls must take this EVERY day at the same time each day. Missing a pill will make this method of birth control less effective, but it is VERY effective if used correctly.

You take a pill everyday for three weeks, then you will take 7 placebo pills (basically sugar pills to stay in routine) and then start back up on the hormonal pills.

The birth control pill does not protect against STDs so it is important to use a condom along with it.

Injectable Hormonal Contraceptive: This is a very popular method of birth control among teens. It is basically a shot of hormones given every 12 weeks. It is almost identical to the birth control pill, but instead of taking a pill everyday, you get a shot every 3 months to prevent pregnancy. There is no STD protection with the injection, so it is again important to use a condom every time you have sex.

Morning After Pill (Plan B): This is a method of birth control that you shouldn’t rely on every time you have sex. When a girl has unprotected sex and does not want to conceive a child, she can go to her local pharmacy and receive an over the counter pill called the Morning After Pill. It does not have to be taken the morning after the incident, it can be taken up to 72 hours after, however it is most effective taken ASAP or within 24 hours. The sooner you take it, the better.

Mirena (IUD): IUD (Intrauterine device) is a small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It lasts up to 12 years, but has to be inserted by your doctor. It is costly, and you could spend between $500 and $1,000 on it, but it is very effective.\

IUD basically effects the way sperm moves, preventing fertilization with an egg. It also effects the lining of the uterine wall to prevent implantation incase an egg does become fertilized.

It is one of the most effective forms of birth control, less than 1 in 100 women with the IUD will become pregnant within one year.

It does not protect against STDs.

Nuvaring: Nuvaring is a flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina containing a low dosage of hormones released into a girls body preventing eggs from maturing. This ring is kept inside the girl’s body for 3 weeks, and then taken out for one week. It must be inserted on the same day each month, but it is a very easy method of birth control when it comes to remembering to take it out and put it back in. It does not protect against STDs.

Birth control is very important when it comes to preventing pregnancy. Teens, if you have a question about birth control, talk to your parents, doctor, or reliable adult.