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What is birth control and why do people use it?

Okay so here’s the deal: people have sex for lots of different reasons, and sometimes getting pregnant is the last thing on their minds.

If you’re having vaginal sex (when a guy’s penis is put into a woman’s vagina) without using birth control you and your partner or partners are at a higher risk for getting pregnant.

It’s your choice to decide if and when you’re ready to have sex. Some people choose not to, either because they don’t want to worry about getting pregnant or they just feel like they’re not ready. But if you’re having sex, or thinking about it, and don’t want to get pregnant, you should definitely check out the info below on how to protect yourself. The only birth control that can keep you from getting pregnant and protect you from STIs is a condom.

Ways to not get pregnant.

What is birth control?
It’s basically what people do to protect themselves from getting pregnant. There are lots of different kinds so you may need to try a couple of methods to find out which works best for you and your partner.

For more information about birth control methods, including info on how to use them correctly, see below. Or call the Sexual Health Helpline at (877) MA-SEX-ED (877) 627-3933 or go to the Maria Talks resources page to find a family planning clinic near you that can help.

Condoms
Condoms are one of the oldest (and most reliable) barrier methods for prevention of pregnancy, as well as prevention of some sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
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Diaphragm/Cervical Cap/Shield
Inserted into the vagina before sex, these cover the cervix and, with the aid of spermicides (available in pharmacies) used on the diaphragm/cap, prevent risk of pregnancy only. Diaphragms do not protect against transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
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The Sponge
The sponge is a soft, disk-shaped device made of polyurethane foam. The sponge contains the spermicide Nonoxynol-9. The bottom of the sponge has a polyester loop that aids in removal. The brand name of the sponge is Today Sponge®.
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The Shot
A form of progestin (a hormone found in birth control pills and Plan B®) administered via syringe every 3 months for ongoing birth control. Administered by a doctor. The brand name of the shot is Depo-Provera®.
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The Pill
Taken regularly, birth control pills administer the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent the occurrence of pregnancy. One of the most commonly used methods of birth control, with a high level of user satisfaction. Available by doctor’s prescription through pharmacies.
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The Patch
The contraceptive patch is a thin, square plastic patch that attaches to the skin. The brand name of the patch is Ortho Evra®.
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The Ring
The ring is a soft, flexible, transparent ring that is inserted into the vagina once a month. The ring transmits the hormones estrogen and progestin which prevent pregnancy. The brand name of the ring is NuvaRing®.
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The Implant
The implant is a thin, match-stick size rod that is inserted beneath the skin of the upper arm.
The brand name of the implant is Implanon™.
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Outercourse
Outercourse usually refers to sex play without vaginal intercourse. For some people, outercourse refers to sex play without any oral, anal and vaginal penetration at all.
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Abstinence
Abstinence is refraining from having sexual intercourse. Continuous abstinence means having no sexual contact at all. Abstinence includes not participating in oral sex, anal sex, vaginal sex, and fingering. Abstinence can include kissing, hugging, and holding hands.
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Pulling Out
Pulling out is withdrawing the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation or “cumming.” Pulling out is also known as withdrawal or coitus interruptus.
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Spermicides
Spermicides are substances that contain a chemical that immobilizes and kills sperm. In the United States all spermicides contain the chemical Nonoxynol-9. There are many varieties of spermicide including foams, jellies, creams, suppositories, and films. Some condoms contain spermicide.
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Sterilization
Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control. Unlike other methods of birth control, sterilization is typically not reversible. Sterilization procedures for women are tubal ligation (commonly known as “getting your tubes tied”) and Essure®. The sterilization procedure for men is vasectomy.
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IUD (Intrauterine Device)
Inserted into the womb by a doctor, the IUD is left in for 1-10 years, depending on the type used, and offers excellent pregnancy protection during that time. Can also be inserted on a very limited basis as emergency contraception, but with much more restriction than Plan B®.
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Maria talks about effectiveness

What do I mean when I talk about birth control effectiveness? Good question! All birth control methods are going to work best when they are used correctly. When a birth control method is used incorrectly, its effectiveness goes down.

For example, condoms are between 79% - 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. If used correctly they are 98% effective. Some things that decrease the effectiveness are not squeezing the tip before putting it on, using an expired condom, or letting pre-cum or cum get into the vagina before putting the condom on.

For a birth control method to be as effective as possible, make sure you follow the directions provided with the birth control and ask your doctor if you need help figuring out how to use it. Or call the Sexual Health Helpline at (877) MA-SEX-ED (877) 627-3933 to get help from a counselor.

The birth control methods described on this website include the most common, frequently prescribed and used methods, but there are other methods available. More information on other methods such as cycle beads and natural family planning is coming soon. For the latest information on birth control, call the Sexual Health Helpline at (877) MA-SEX-ED (877) 627-3933.

Mayo Clinic Online
The Mayo Clinic online offers comprehensive information about birth control, including statistics and quick links to jump to information about particular forms of birth control.
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Scarleteen
Scarleteen provides information for teens on a variety of sex related topics, including anatomy, sexuality, STI's, relationships, pregnancy and more. Answers questions, and provides "sexpert" information and message boards along with books and resources.
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Teenwire
Teenwire provides resources for teens around sex, birth control, safer sex, relationships and pregnancy. Site also includes information about how to be involved with activism and sex education themed quizzes, games, and videos.
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