Many girls (and boys) want a way to have sex or intercourse, but do not want to get pregnant or contract an STD.  This is where contraception or birth control comes into play.

There are many ways to safely have sex, but the only way to 100% guarantee that you do not become pregnant or get an STD would be to practice abstinence.

However, since many people these days do not want to practice abstinence, here are many examples of safe sex that everyone can, and should, use.

The pill is a hormonal method of birth control that uses two different hormones, progesterone and estrogen, to do three things to stop the egg from being fertilized by a) stopping ovulation, b) building a thicker layer of mucus to keep the sperm from reaching the egg, and c) keeping the lining of the uterus thin so that if the egg does become fertilized it can not implant in the lining to start making the fetus. One pill is taken each day for three weeks and on the forth week a sugar pill is taken which allows the body to menstruate.

This pill is highly effective in protecting against pregnancy.  When taken perfectly, everyday at the same time of day, only 1 out of 100 women will become pregnant and when taken well only 5 out of 100.  Also, this pill can be used for many other things such as reducing acne, regulating the menstrual cycle and reducing cramps.  Many women also like using this form, as with other hormonal forms, because it puts them and not the man in charge of whether or not they get pregnant.

This pill must be received by prescription from a doctor and to really be effective, it must be taken everyday at the same time. Also there are some side effects, such as spotting, breast tenderness, and increased chance of blood clots in women who smoke. This does not protect against STDs.

This works in a similar way to the pill in that there are the two hormones inside of a plastic casing that while inserted in the vagina (like a tampon) for the three weeks, the hormones slowly leak into the wall of the vagina and enters the blood stream from there.  After the three weeks, the ring is taken out for a week in which you will menstruate and then replaced with a new one after the end of your period.

This method is very effective and many women like it because they do not have to remember to take a pill each day.  This also needs a prescription and if you have a history of blood clots, heart problems, high cholesterol, or severe migraines, you should seriously talk with your doctor before using it.  This does not protect against STDs.

This works the same as the other hormonal birth controls, but is placed on the skin like a band-aid and is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream from there.  It is replaced every week for three weeks and left off for the forth during menstruation. 

This patch is very effective and does not need to be worried about as much as the pill does in terms of perfect use.  However, there is a 60% higher dose of estrogen at a time so there are more side effects and the risks of blood clots are higher and it is more important that a woman not smoke while on it.  It also does not protect against STDs.

The shot works as the other hormonal methods except for that it only uses one of the hormones (progesterone) instead of two.  A shot is taken every three months.

This method is very effective and only needs to be taken once every three months, but does not protect against STDs.

An implant into the vagina that can be left in place for up to 5 or 10 years.  It must be inserted by a doctor and works by inflaming the lining of the uterus with chemicals.  The lining then prevents fertilization of the egg by the sperm.

It is always in place, so there is no worrying before sex.  However, there may be pain and heavy menstrual flow and there is a risk of pelvic infection.  Also, the initial expense is high.  It does not prevent STDs.

The morning after pill is taken after intercourse when you believe you may have become pregnant. It is only progesterone and works for 5 days after intercourse.  It changes the lining of the uterus so the egg cannot implant in it.

It is mostly only used in case of emergency and not a regular practice.  If under 17, you would need a prescription, but there are no side effects.  It does not protect against STDs.

They are latex or polyurethane (for those with latex allergies) coverings for the penis.  It works by collecting semen in the tip that prevents it from then entering the vagina.  They can be purchased at a drugstore or many Planned Parenthood type centers give them for free.  It is important that the condom does not rip when the package is opened or during intercourse

No prescription is needed and it protects against STDs because the penis is completely covered.  The only cons are that some people like the spontaneity of sex which is taken away by condoms and some are allergic to the material.

These are like the opposites of male condoms.  A flexible ring is used to insert it into the vagina and then an external ring holds the condom open over the vulva.  It works in the same way that a male condom does by blocking the sperm from entering the vagina.

They do not need a prescription and can let the woman feel more involved in the decision to use contraception.  The main con is that it can squeak during use and is not aesthetically pleasing.  Also, the male condom has a lower pregnancy rate than the female one.

The sponge is run under water to activate the spermicide which kills the sperm as it enters the vagina.  It is then inserted into the vagina as much as 24 hours before intercourse.  It also blocks the cervix so the undead sperm can’t get through.  The VCF is pure spermicide that is placed into the vagina and melts, leaving the spermicide and doesn’t leak out of the vagina.  It can be put in up to three hours before hand.

These do not need a prescription.  The sponge can be purchased for $12 for a box of three and the VCF for $5.50 also for 3.  The sponge especially can allow for more spontaneity.  Neither of these protects from STDs and the sponge is less effective for those women who have given birth.

Both are flexible rubber barriers that are used in conjunction with spermicides.  The barriers keep the sperm from entering the cervix while also killing the sperm with the spermicide.

They do not use hormones and are reusable and as with a few others types of contraception, they increase the spontaneity as they can be inserted ahead of time.  However, you need a prescription as you have to be fit for the diaphragm and they cannot be used while menstruated.

Sterilization is another method that is permanent and should not really be chosen for teenagers as it is irreversible and you would never be able to become pregnant.  Either the woman’s tubes are tied or the man under goes a vasectomy.  It is good because it is permanent, but it is invasive, though many women get it right after their 3^rd or 4^th pregnancy so it does not seem like a big procedure.

Abstinence is the only 100% way to not get pregnant or contract an STD. However, if you choose to use contraception make sure to read all of the directions and look at expiration dates, especially on condom wrappers.  Also, talk to your parents and/or physician before making any big decisions. 

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