What are they?

Male condoms protect against different STIs and HIV and prevent pregnancy. A male condom is usually made of latex and is put on an erect, or stiff penis or sex toy before vaginal, oral, or anal sex begins. Male condoms provide a barrier between sex partners so that fluids such as semen, blood, and saliva do not come into contact. Male condoms come in different sizes and if you are allergic to latex, you can get polyurethane condoms, such as Avanti. There are flavored, non-lubricated condoms that are for oral sex.

Where can you get them?

At drugstores, supermarkets and clinics.

Do I need a prescription?

No .

Can I order them on-line?

Yes, check out Condomania.

Myth: They don’t make condoms big enough for me/ my partner.

WRONG, check out Condomania where you can order custom-made condoms. (Read more sex myths and facts)

What are they?

Female condoms protect against different STIs and HIV and prevent pregnancy. A female condom is made of a thin, plastic tube that is placed within a woman’s vagina before vaginal sex begins. Female condoms provide a barrier between sex partners so that fluids such as semen, blood, and saliva do not come into contact.

Where can you get them?

These are not as easy to find as male condoms, but they are sometimes available at clinics and drugstores.

Do I need a prescription?

No.

Can I order them on-line?

Yes, check out Condomania (in the “type” option, select “female”).

Myth: Female condoms can get lost.

WRONG, your cervix makes it so that the female condom (and things like tampons) can only go so far – they can’t get lost.

What are they?

Birth control pills prevent pregnancy. A woman takes pills with hormones for 3 weeks and then placebo pills (pills without hormones) for 1 week, during the placebo pill week a woman gets her period. There are many different brands, but they all contain hormones like those normally found in a woman’s body. They work by preventing a woman’s body from releasing an egg each month and also make it more difficult for sperm to enter her uterus by making her cervical mucus thicker.

Should I still use condoms?

Yes, birth control pills do not protect you from STIs or HIV.

Do I need a prescription?

Yes, click on the link (link to providers page) to find the locations of adolescent-friendly clinics to obtain free or low cost birth control and health care.

Can I order them on-line?

You still need a prescription to order them on-line. It’s better to go to a clinic.

Myth: I heard birth control pills give you cancer.

WRONG, studies show they are safe and effective. Most women experience no side effects, but some women may feel nauseous or have cramps. It’s best to talk to a doctor or someone at a clinic to find out what birth control may work best for you.

What is it?

The “ring” prevents pregnancy. The “ring” is a thin plastic ring that a woman inserts into her vagina and leaves in for three weeks. During the fourth week of the month, she removes it, and then her period will happen. The “ring” contains hormones like those normally found in a woman’s body. It works by preventing a woman’s body from releasing an egg each month and also makes it more difficult for sperm to enter her uterus by making her cervical mucus thicker.

Should I still use condoms?

Yes, the “ring” does not protect you from STIs or HIV.

Do I need a prescription?

Yes, click on the link to find the locations of adolescent-friendly clinics to obtain free or low cost birth control and health care.

Myth: The “ring” may cause yeast infections.

Yes and no, for some women the “ring” won’t cause side effects, but for other women, the “ring” may cause increased yeast infections. It’s best to talk to a doctor or someone at a clinic to find out what birth control may work best for you.

What is it?

The birth control patch prevents pregnancy. The “patch” has an adhesive, like a band-aid, and is placed on a woman’s skin (on her stomach under her belly button or on her butt. The “patch” has the same hormones as birth control pills and prevents a woman’s body from releasing an egg each month and also make it more difficult for sperm to enter her uterus by making her cervical mucus thicker.

Should I still use condoms?

Yes, the “patch” does not protect you from STIs or HIV.

Do I need a prescription?

Yes, click on the link to find the locations of adolescent-friendly clinics to obtain free or low cost birth control and health care.

Myth: I heard the “patch” may cause blood clots.

Not exactly, but because the “patch” has to deliver hormones through your skin, it contains 60% more hormones than normal birth control pills. For some women, these extra hormones may increase their risk of clotting. It’s best to talk to a doctor or someone at a clinic to find out what birth control may work best for you.

What is it?

The birth control shot, also known as Depo-Provera, prevents pregnancy. The “shot” contains a hormone that is normally found in a woman’s body and is injected into a woman’s body every 3 months. It works by preventing a woman’s body from releasing an egg each month and also makes it more difficult for sperm to enter her uterus by making her cervical mucus thicker. The “shot” may be good for women who do not want to take pills everyday or who have certain conditions like diabetes or lupus that make taking birth control pills difficult.

Should I still use condoms?

Yes, the “shot” does not protect you from STIs or HIV.

Do I need a prescription?

Yes, click on the link to find the locations of adolescent-friendly clinics to obtain free or low cost birth control and health care.

Myth: The “shot” makes women gain weight.

Yes and no, some women gain weight and some don’t. It’s best to talk to a doctor or someone at a clinic to find out what birth control may work best for you.