Birth Control

Articles In This Section

• Do You Need a Pelvic Exam to Get Birth Control?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• How Can Condoms Break?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Implantable Contraception

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to learn what implantable contraception is, how well it works, and more.

• Do Condoms Really Work?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Birth Control Ring

  The birth control ring is inserted into the vagina where it slowly releases hormones through the vaginal wall into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.

• Birth Control Patch

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Learn what the birth control patch is, how well it works, and more.

• Birth Control Methods: How Well Do They Work?

  Some birth control methods work better than others. This chart compares how well different birth control methods work.

• Abstinence

  Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Abstinence also protects people against STDs.

• Condom

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to find out how condoms work - and how well they protect against pregnancy and STDs.

• Talking to Your Partner About Condoms

  Some people - even those who are having sex - are embarrassed by the topic of condoms. Here are some tips for talking about condoms with your partner.

• About Birth Control

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to get the basics on birth control.

• IUD

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Learn more about the IUD and to find out how well it works for teens.

• Emergency Contraception

  Emergency contraception is used for emergencies only -for example, if a condom breaks or slips off during sex. It is also available to teens who are forced to have unprotected sex.

• Does Douching Prevent Pregnancy?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Diaphragm

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Find out how the diaphragm works and how effective it is at preventing pregnancy.

• Birth Control Shot

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article about the birth control shot and find out how it works - and how well.

• Cervical Cap

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article about the cervical cap to find out if it's right for you and how well it works.

• Spermicide

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article and find out how spermicides work and when to use them.

• Birth Control Pill

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to learn what birth control pills are, how well they work, and more.

• Fertility Awareness

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to learn what the rhythm method of birth control is and how it works - and some of the reasons why it might not work for teens.

• Withdrawal

  Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Learn about withdrawal - and whether it's effective at preventing pregnancy and STDs.