To become sexually active is a serious and highly personal decision. Unfortunately, many young men and women become sexually involved first and then worry about unplanned pregnancy afterward. The only way to be sure that a woman will not get pregnant is for her not to have sexual intercourse. If she decides to become sexually active, the next area to explore is birth control. There are a variety of contraception methods available, mainly for use by females. No one method is best for everyone and it is important that each individual learns about the advantages and disadvantages of each before making a choice. Whatever that choice is, it is important to remember that a condom must be used to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.

Things to consider when thinking about becoming sexually active:

Is this something I want to do?

Am I being pressured into having sex?

Am I involved in drug or alcohol use?

How do I define abstinence?

What is the best method of protection for me?

What are my options if I became pregnant ?

Abstinence:

This is the only 100% sure method of birth control. It can be defined as having no sexual intercourse of any kind or intimate unclothed contact even without penetration.
Advantages: no risk of pregnancy.
Potential Disadvantages : may not be a practical choice.

Oral Contraceptives (birth control pills):

This method is 99% effective if taken correctly. Since it is a medication, this method requires a pelvic exam, medical history, medical prescription and periodic physicals. A female must wait for her menstrual period before beginning the pills. They must be taken at the same time every day.
Potential Advantages: They are easy to use, are highly effective and come in a variety of doses.
Potential Disadvantages: The pill changes the body chemistry, has occasional side effects and offers no protection from sexually transmitted infections.

Condom:

Because of the risk of breaking or slipping off, condoms, used alone, are 70-90% effective. When the female uses a spermicide such as contraceptive foam or suppositories as a back-up, this method is 95-99% effective. Condoms must be worn start to finish and a new condom must be used for each act of intercourse. Care must be taken that the condom does not slip off. They should be used for oral sex as well.
Potential Advantages: They are easy to buy. They help prevent against sexually transmitted infections.
Potential Disadvantages: Condoms can break or slip off. A male partner may refuse to use one. If it breaks or slips off there is a high risk of pregnancy if used without spermicide.
Female Condoms are available. They are more expensive than male condoms and must be inserted into the vagina with an outer area that must be held in place during intercourse.

Foam/Suppositories:

Used alone foam/suppositories are only 40-50% effective. When used with condoms they become 95-99% effective. They must be used with every act of intercourse and inserted no more than 30 minutes ahead of time.
Potential Advantages: They are easy to buy and can help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Potential Disadvantages: High risk of pregnancy if used without a condom and there is the possibility of skin irritation.

Diaphragms:

They are 95-97% effective if used correctly. They are a barrier method of birth control which fits over the cervix and need to be fitted by a physician. They require practice to use. A diaphragm needs to be used with spermicidal cream or jelly and can be used no more than 2 hours ahead of time and must be applied with each act of intercourse. The diaphragm must remain in place 6-8 hours after intercourse, but no longer than 24 hours.
Potential advantages: Diaphragms are very safe to use with no major side effects. Diaphragms are reusable.
Potential disadvantages: Must plan ahead to use properly and must be comfortable touching one’s own body in order to insert it.

Depo-Provera:

This is the birth control shot which contains a hormone that prevents pregnancy. The shot is given once every three months.
Potential Advantages: It is safe, highly effective, long-lasting protection, with no need for action before, during or after sex.
Potential disadvantages: Can cause irregular monthly periods and spotting may occur. There can be bloating/weight gain, headaches, depression, and hair loss.

Intrauterine devices:

These are not recommended for adolescents.

Note: Withdrawal, no penetration, douching, intercourse on "safe days," belief in possible infertility, among others are not effective or reliable methods of birth control!