English
SpanishBirth Control
There are so many forms of birth control that work to fit best with your body. There is no reason not to protect yourself from an unwanted pregnancy.
Teen
What is birth control?
Birth control helps to prevent unwanted pregnancies, typically with the use of contraceptives. There are several methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies and you should consider all options, even if you think you may already be pregnant.
What can I do?
If you intend to engage in sex, you should also consider your birth control options. It may be a good choice to talk to a parent or a trusted adult about your decisions as you do this.
There are many different methods of birth control but the safest way to avoid STIs and pregnancy is to delay sex by being abstinent. Some birth control options require a visit to a healthcare provider and a prescription while others are available over-the-counter.
Over-the-counter methods include male and female condoms, foam, gels, and suppositories. You can buy over-the-counter contraceptives in a pharmacy, grocery store, market, or convenience store.
Prescription methods include birth control pills, birth control injections, the birth control patch, the birth control ring, the diaphragm, cervical cap, birth control implant, and intrauterine devices (IUD). In Nevada, youth under the age of 18 can get prescription birth control without their parents’ permission.
Other methods of preventing pregnancy include abstinence, withdrawal, and natural family planning.
Methods of Contraception:
A medication taken daily that contains hormones which prevent eggs from releasing from the ovaries.
A covering worn over the penis during sex that protects against pregnancy and STIs.
A type of birth control that is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus that releases hormones to thicken the cervical mucus so that sperm can’t reach the egg.
A thin, plastic patch that sticks to the skin that releases hormones to keep eggs from leaving the ovaries.
A hormonal method of birth control that is given through an injection.
A hormonal method of birth control that is inserted in the upper arm, and is effective for up to 5 years.
A pill that can be bought over the counter and is taken 1 - 5 days after unprotected sex (but is most effective 1 - 3 days after unprotected sex).