What to Use

What to Use 2017-10-02T17:38:34-04:00

WHAT TO GET: Birth Control

What Is It?

A flexible rod the size of a matchstick which contains hormones.

How to use?

The implant is inserted under the skin on the inside of the upper arm by a healthcare provider and can stay in place for up to 3 years. It can be removed by a healthcare provider at any time.

Protects against STDs?

No, condoms are the only method that protects against STDs and should always be used along with the Implant. Condoms also provide extra protection against pregnancy. However, choosing not to have anal, oral, or vaginal sex is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs.

What is it?

A shot of hormones

How to Use?

The Depo Shot is given on the arm or the hip every 12 weeks by a healthcare provider.

Protects against STD's?

No, condoms are the only methods that projects against STDs and should always be used along with Depo shot. Condoms also provide extra protection against pregnancy. However, choosing not to have anal, oral, or vaginal sex is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs.

What is it?

A soft flexible T-shaped device inserted into the uterus which contains no hormones. IUDs are one of the most effective methods of birth control.

How to Use?

The device is inserted by a healthcare provider and can stay in place for up to 10 years, but can be removed by a healthcare provider at any time.

Protects against STD's?

No, condoms are the only methods that projects against STDs and should always be used along with Depo shot. Condoms also provide extra protection against pregnancy. However, choosing not to have anal, oral, or vaginal sex is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs.

What is it?

A soft flexible T-shaped device inserted into the uterus that contains hormones. IUDs are one of the most effective methods of birth control.

How to Use?

The device is inserted by a healthcare provider and can stay in place for up to 5 years, but can be removed by a healthcare provider at any time.

Protects against STD's?

No, condoms are the only method that protects against STDs and should always be used along with the Hormonal IUD. Condoms also provide extra protection against pregnancy. However, choosing not to have anal, oral, or vaginal sex is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs.

What is it?

A hormonal ring inserted into the vagina.

How to Use?

The ring is inserted by the user and should be left in the vagina for 3 weeks. If she chooses, she may remove the ring after 3 weeks. During the 4th week, she will get her period. After this week, she must insert a new ring. If she chooses to not have her period, she may remove the ring after 3 weeks and insert a new ring right away, without skipping a week.

Protects against STD's?

No, condoms are the only method that protects against STDs and should always be used along with the Hormonal IUD. Condoms also provide extra protection against pregnancy. However, choosing not to have anal, oral, or vaginal sex is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs.

What is it?

A small hormonal patch that sticks to the skin.

How to Use?

A new patch is placed on the butt, stomach, upper outer arm, or upper torso-never on the breasts, by the user and left in place for one week, for three weeks in a row. The fourth week is patch-free and usually the time she will get her period. After the fourth week is over, she must put on a new patch every week for three weeks again. If she chooses, not to have her period, she may wear a new patch every week continuously without a break on the fourth week.

Protects against STD's?

No, condoms are the only method that protects against STDs and should always be used along with the Hormonal IUD. Condoms also provide extra protection against pregnancy. However, choosing not to have anal, oral, or vaginal sex is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs.

What is it?

A hormonal pill taken orally.

How to Use?

Pills come in packs.  The user takes 1 pill every day at the same time until she finishes her pack of pills. During the final week of the pack, she will get her period. After this week, she will start a new pack of pills.There are many different types of pills. You should ask your healthcare provider about how to take the pills you have been prescribed.

Protects against STD's?

No, condoms are the only method that protects against STDs and should always be used along with the Hormonal IUD. Condoms also provide extra protection against pregnancy. However, choosing not to have anal, oral, or vaginal sex is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs.

What is it?

A thin barrier worn on the penis that protects against sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy by trapping semen.

How to Use?

1. Check expiration date.
2. Carefully tear condom package open with fingers.
3. Hold the tip of the condom and roll the condom down the erect penis, leaving space for semen to collect.
4. Keep the condom on the penis until the male has ejaculated.
5. After ejaculation, hold the base of the penis to keep condom on and withdraw.
6. Carefully remove the condom from the penis, tie it in a knot, and throw it away in trash can.
Remember to use a new condom every time you have sex. Only wear one condom at a time.

Tap here to find free and low cost condoms at a clinic near you.

Condoms can also be purchased at pharmacies and supermarkets.

Protects against STD's?

Yes, condoms are the only method of birth control that provide protection against pregnancy and STDs. Condoms can provide extra protection against pregnancy if used with other forms of birth control, but male condoms should not be used at the same time as female condoms. However, choosing not to have anal, oral, or vaginal sex is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs.

Tap here to see a video on how to put on a male condom.

What is it?

A thin barrier placed inside the vagina that protects against infections and traps semen.

How to Use?

1. Check expiration date.
2. Carefully tear condom package open with fingers.
3. Squeeze the ring and insert the condom into the vagina as shown on the package.
4. The opening of the condom will hang outside the vagina. Make sure the penis goes inside female condom when having sex.
5. For removal, twist the opening of the condom to keep the semen in the condom.
6. Carefully remove the condom from the vagina and throw it away in trash can.

Remember to use a new condom every time you have sex.

Condoms can also be purchased at pharmacies and supermarkets.

Protects against STD's?

Yes, condoms are the only method of birth control that provide protection against pregnancy and STDs. Condoms can provide extra protection against pregnancy if used with other forms of birth control, but female condoms should not be used at the same time as male condoms. However, choosing not to have anal, oral, or vaginal sex is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs.

Tap here to see a video on how to put on a female condom.

What is it?

A pill that stops a pregnancy before it starts. All teens can purchase the brand Plan B OneStep without a prescription at a pharmacy. Teens 17 and older can purchase other EC brands without a prescription from the pharmacy. Teens 16 and younger will need a prescription to purchase any other EC pill brand.

What is it NOT?

EC is NOT an abortion pill! If you are already pregnant, EC will not stop a pregnancy from continuing.

How to Use?

For EC to be effective, you must take the pill within 3-5 days of unprotected vaginal sex, depending on the pill brand.

Protects against STD's?

No, condoms are the only method that protects against STDs and should always be used along with another method of contraception. Condoms also provide extra protection against pregnancy. However, choosing not to have anal, oral, or vaginal sex is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs.