Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIUDs and ImplantsThe PillCondomsOther MethodsPlan BThings to ConsiderSide EffectsSTI PreventionWhen to Speak to a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
IUDs and Implants
The Pill
Condoms
Other Methods
Plan B
Things to Consider
Side Effects
STI Prevention
When to Speak to a Healthcare Provider
The bestbirth controlfor teens wanting to prevent pregnancy is accessible, effective, and easy to use.Implantsandintrauterine devices(IUDs) are often the first choice amongst healthcare practitioners, as they have a high pregnancy prevention rate and you don’t need to remember to use them.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reminds sexually active teens that a dual approach is best. That means choosing options that can protect you against unwanted pregnancy andsexually transmitted infections(STIs).
The external condom is the most effective method for preventing STIs and can be used alongside an implant, IUD, or other birth control method.
This article discusses birth control options for teens, including their benefits, risks, and side effects.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)methods have some of the highest rates of effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
The American College of Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorse LARC methods as an excellent contraceptive option for teens, including first-time users.LARCs include:
Once they are in place, teens don’t have to do anything to prevent pregnancy for several years.
However, because LARCs do not protect against STIs, teens will need to use another method of birth control to help prevent infections, like latex external condoms.
The minipillonly contains progestin and is rarely prescribed for teens.
These are 91% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken daily.
In July 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Opill (norgestrel), aprogestin-only oral contraceptive, to be sold over the counter (OTC). Opill is the first and only birth control pill available without a prescription.
Birth control pills are the best option for teens who need to use birth control to regulate hormone imbalances and their menstrual cycle.
A Guide to Birth Control Pills
Usually made out of latex, condoms are a barrier method of birth control and can help protect against STIs. There are both external and internal versions of condoms.
Anexternal condomis inserted onto an erect penis, covering the penis head and shaft. It prevents sperm from entering the vagina, collecting it in the condom’s tip instead.
A condom must be put on before the penis comes into contact with the vagina because any fluid, even what comes out of the penis before ejaculation, could contain sperm.
Theinternal condomis a plastic tube with flexible rings at each end. One end of the tube is closed to create a barrier. It is inserted into the vagina prior to having sex and can be used during menstruation.
All types of condoms can be purchased over the counter at drugstores and grocery stores.
With any condom, it’s important to use only water-based or silicone-based personal lubricants. Oil-based lubricants can break down the latex and cause condoms to break or leak, offering less protection against pregnancy and STIs.
How Effective Are Condoms?Latex external condoms offer the best protection against STIs, though they are not 100% effective. External condoms are 82% effective at preventing pregnancy. Internal condoms are 79% effective at preventing pregnancy.
How Effective Are Condoms?
Latex external condoms offer the best protection against STIs, though they are not 100% effective. External condoms are 82% effective at preventing pregnancy. Internal condoms are 79% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Other Birth Control Options
Short-Acting Hormonal Methods
Birth control pills are one type of short-acting hormonal birth control. Other options, which also contain hormones that prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg, include:
The Diaphragm
Adiaphragmis inserted into the vagina, against the cervix, and acts as a barrier. When filled with spermicide, it can help kill or slow the movement of sperm. It is round, with a rigid rim, and covers a larger space than the cap.
Diaphragms require apelvic examto be fitted. If you lose or gain 10 to 15 pounds, you may need to be refitted. Because teens are still growing, this may not be the best option.
Around 12% of diaphragm users get pregnant each year, making it 88% effective. Diaphragms may not protect against some STIs.
What Is Spermicide?Spermicideis a chemical, usually nonoxynol-9, that kills off sperm or prevents them from “swimming.” It is available in foam and cream forms. Some condoms also come with spermicide already on them.
What Is Spermicide?
Spermicideis a chemical, usually nonoxynol-9, that kills off sperm or prevents them from “swimming.” It is available in foam and cream forms. Some condoms also come with spermicide already on them.
The Cervical Cap
This thimble-shaped cap is usually made of silicone and fits over the cervix. Much like a diaphragm, after it is filled with spermicide to kill or slow the movement of sperm, it is inserted into the vagina and placed around the cervix before having sex.
The cap creates a barrier to block the sperm from entering the uterus, but it may not protect against some STIs.
To be fitted for acervical cap, you must visit a healthcare provider for a pelvic exam. It’s important to keep it in for at least eight hours after intercourse.
About 21% of people get pregnant each year while using cervical caps, making them 79% effective.
The Sponge
Thespongeis presoaked in spermicide and is inserted into the vagina, covering the opening of the cervix. It is not as effective as the diaphragm or cervical cap, and it has a higher rate of infections.
The sponge can be purchased over the counter without the need for a pelvic exam or fitting.
The sponge is 68% effective for users who have given birth before. For users who have never had children, it is 84% to 91% effective.
Also called the morning-after pill, Plan B is an emergency contraceptive. It is not an abortion pill and doesn’t prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Plan B delivers a high dose of progestin hormones all at once to prevent pregnancy after having sex without a barrier method or if birth control fails (like when a condom breaks).
Plan B is available over the counter in pharmacies and drugstores. You can buy it at any age and do not need to show your ID.
Plan B is more likely to work when taken as soon as possible after sex and can prevent pregnancy for up to five days after intercourse.
Before choosing a birth control method, there are a few things to think about.
Is There a “Right” Age to Start Birth Control?
Choosing to have sex is a personal decision and there is no “right” age.
What is important is to choose a method that works best for your situation. For example, if you have a very busy schedule or tend to forget things easily then, a longer-acting method may be a better choice than a daily pill.
Is a Pelvic Exam Required?
Certain forms of contraception, like IUDs, diaphragms and cervical caps, require a pelvic exam to measure and place the device.
However you should visit you provider each year certain STI screening is recommended each year for sexually active teens. However, a pelvic exam is recommend each year for sexually active women.
You can seek birth control from your regular healthcare practitioner or a health clinic or you can obtain it OTC.
Does the Birth Control Method Require Consent?
If you’re a minor, some methods of birth control may require consent from a guardian.
The laws vary depending on the state, so check the laws where you live or talk with a healthcare provider.
Can I Change Birth Control Methods?
Yes, many people change birth control methods as their needs change. For example, if someone experiences side effects from one method they may switch to another option or someone may decide to switch from a short-acting to a long-acting method for convenience.
Be sure to talk to a healthcare provider before changing birth control methods so they can help you make the transition safely and effectively.
Everything You Need to Know About How to Get Birth Control
Common Side Effects and Symptoms
Birth control, especially hormonal birth control, can come with side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about side effects before choosing a method.
Side effects of hormonal birth control can include:
Spermicide and barrier methods, such as the sponge, can cause itching, irritation, or infection, depending on how someone responds to the chemical ingredients.
The external condom has the least number of side effects of all of the options described here.However, anyone with alatex allergyshould avoid latex-based condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. Polyurethane options are a good alternative.
Methods to Reduce STIs
Only condoms have been proven to reduce the risk of getting STIs, but the type of condom you use matters.
Natural and lambskin condoms do not prevent STIs because they are not a complete barrier method. They have tiny holes that can allow bacteria and viruses through.
Condoms cannot completely prevent againsthuman papillomavirus(HPV) because there are areas outside the condom’s barrier of protection where contact with the virus can occur.
There is a highly effectiveHPV vaccinethat can reduce the risk of cervical cancer. It is recommended for all preteens at ages 11–12.
A sexual relationship carries risks of pregnancy and STIs. If possible, it’s helpful to speak with a healthcare provider prior to becoming sexually active. Exploring birth control options that take into account your medical history and medical needs can be helpful.
Not all teenagers will be comfortable speaking with their parents about birth control. It’s important for teenagers to have a connection to a healthcare provider, so they can seek birth control when needed and avoid unwanted pregnancy.
Some possible questions to ask a healthcare provider include:
How to Get Free or Low-Cost Birth Control
Summary
There are many forms of birth control available, but reputable organizations like the American College of Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend IUDs and implants as the most effective for teens.
These will help prevent unwanted pregnancy, but teens should also use a barrier method of birth control, such as condoms, to help protect against STIs.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Can contraception reduce the risk of getting an infection?Committee on Adolescent Health Care.Committee Opinion No 699: Adolescent Pregnancy, Contraception, and Sexual Activity.Obstet Gynecol. 2017 May;129(5):e142-e149. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002045American Academy of Pediatrics.Contraception explained: birth control options for teens & adolescents.Nemours TeensHealth.Birth control (contraceptive) pill.Cleveland Clinic.Birth control options.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HPV vaccination.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Can contraception reduce the risk of getting an infection?Committee on Adolescent Health Care.Committee Opinion No 699: Adolescent Pregnancy, Contraception, and Sexual Activity.Obstet Gynecol. 2017 May;129(5):e142-e149. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002045American Academy of Pediatrics.Contraception explained: birth control options for teens & adolescents.Nemours TeensHealth.Birth control (contraceptive) pill.Cleveland Clinic.Birth control options.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HPV vaccination.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Can contraception reduce the risk of getting an infection?Committee on Adolescent Health Care.Committee Opinion No 699: Adolescent Pregnancy, Contraception, and Sexual Activity.Obstet Gynecol. 2017 May;129(5):e142-e149. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002045American Academy of Pediatrics.Contraception explained: birth control options for teens & adolescents.Nemours TeensHealth.Birth control (contraceptive) pill.Cleveland Clinic.Birth control options.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HPV vaccination.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Can contraception reduce the risk of getting an infection?
Committee on Adolescent Health Care.Committee Opinion No 699: Adolescent Pregnancy, Contraception, and Sexual Activity.Obstet Gynecol. 2017 May;129(5):e142-e149. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002045
American Academy of Pediatrics.Contraception explained: birth control options for teens & adolescents.
Nemours TeensHealth.Birth control (contraceptive) pill.
Cleveland Clinic.Birth control options.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HPV vaccination.
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