Birth Control: What Parents Need to Know

Roughly one in four teens will become pregnant by age 20. Unintended pregnancies can be prevented with better and more consistent use of contraceptives.

Talking regularly with your adolescent and paying attention to where they are and who they are with can help reduce unhealthy behaviors. Most youth report discussing health topics with parents, including sexual and reproductive health.

What types of birth control methods are available for adolescents?

Many safe and effective birth control methods are available for adolescents who are sexually active or considering having sex. They can choose the method that works best for them. These include:

  • Long-acting reversible contraceptives such as the IUD or hormonal implant.

  • Short-acting hormonal methods include pills, the patch, the shot, and vaginal rings.

  • Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms, sponges, and cervical caps.

 

How should I help my teen choose a birth control method?

Information from parents and healthcare providers can help adolescents decide which birth control method is suitable for them. However, it is important to consider:

  • How well does it work?

  • Is it easy to use?

  • What are the possible side effects?

  • Does it prevent STIs?

  • How much does it cost?

How can my teen prevent STIs?

Preventing pregnancy and preventing STIs are two different things. While many kinds of birth control can prevent pregnancy, the only method that can reduce the risk of STIs is a condom. This is because a condom creates a physical barrier that prevents the exchange of bodily fluids.

However, the only fully effective method for avoiding STIs is abstinence. Anyone having sex should get tested for STIs. And while it can be tricky to talk about, it is important to talk with potential sexual partner(s) about getting tested, too.

Some clinics offer free, confidential STI testing for teens.

 

Overview of Birth Control Options

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are very effective long-term birth control options that can last from 3-10 years, depending on the method. This is a nice benefit for teens, as they don't have to remember to do something each day, week or month to stay protected from unintended pregnancy. It is recommended that teens use LARCs initially because they have the lowest failure rate.

Two types of LARCs (that must be inserted and removed by a doctor) include:

  • Implant – A thin, flexible plastic implant (e.g., Nexplanon®) that contains a hormone and is placed under the skin of the upper arm. It does not need to be replaced for 3-5 years. Effectiveness: The implant is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Common benefits are reduced cramps, lighter or no periods, and private (invisible to partner).

  • Intrauterine device (IUD) – A small, flexible, T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus. This can be performed in a short office visit. A hormonal IUD (e.g., Mirena®, Kyleena®, Skyla®) does not need to be replaced for 3-7 years. A copper IUD (e.g., ParaGard®) is hormone-free and does not need to be replaced for 12 years. Effectiveness: IUDs are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Common benefits are reduced cramps, reduced PMS symptoms, lighter/no periods, and privacy (invisible to a partner).

These are the safest and most effective birth control available. Less than one in every 100 women using an implant or IUD will get pregnant within the first year. Keep in mind that LARCs do not protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it is still important to use condoms. 

Birth Control Pills

These pills are taken daily and contain estrogen, progestin, or a combination of both hormones. As there are many different types of pills, a doctor can help people find the right option for them. These pills slightly increase the risk of a dangerous blood clot, especially in smokers and people with other risk factors, so they are not a good option for everyone. Progestin-only pills, sometimes called mini pills, may pose a lower risk. Effectiveness: Birth control pills are 91-94% effective in preventing pregnancy. Common benefits are lighter/more regular periods, reduced cramps, PMS symptoms, and acne.

  

Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring is a small, flexible ring a person wears inside their vagina. It releases hormones that prevent pregnancy. The user inserts the ring for three weeks and then takes it out for seven days. With the NuvaRing, you insert a new ring each month. With Annovera, you reuse the same ring for up to 13 cycles. Effectiveness: The vaginal ring is 91-94% effective in preventing pregnancy. Common benefits are lighter/more regular periods, reduced cramps or PMS symptoms, and less acne.

 

Birth Control Patch

The patch releases hormones into the skin and is changed weekly. A person can go patch-free during the week of their period, or if they want to prevent their period, they can keep wearing a birth control patch. Effectiveness: The patch is 91-94% effective in preventing pregnancy. Common benefits are lighter/more regular periods, reduced cramps, and PMS symptoms.

 

Birth Control Shot

The birth control shot requires an injection of hormones every three months. It can be a good option for teens who can go to the doctor four times a year and those who worry they will forget to take birth control pills. Common side effects include irregular bleeding or bleeding between periods, weight gain, and appetite changes. Effectiveness: The shot is 91-94% effective in preventing pregnancy. Common benefits are lighter periods after one year of use, prevention of uterine cancer, and privacy (invisible to a partner).

 

Condoms

Condoms are the only birth control method that can prevent both pregnancy and STIs. A female condom is placed inside the vagina up to 8 hours before having sex, and a male condom is placed over the penis. Some condoms contain a spermicidal lubricant that kills sperm. Individuals with latex allergies should avoid latex condoms. Individuals with a sensitivity to spermicide should use a condom without spermicide. Effectiveness: Condoms are 72-82% effective in preventing pregnancy. Common benefits are they are non-hormonal and protect against STIs.

 

Diaphragm and Cervical Cap

Both diaphragms and cervical caps prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering the cervix. They are placed inside the vagina before having sex and removed within 24 hours. Effectiveness: Diaphragms and cervical caps are 72-82% effective in preventing pregnancy.

 

Sponge

This barrier method releases spermicide to kill sperm. It is worn inside the vagina and can be placed up to 24 hours before intercourse. Effectiveness: The sponge is 72-82% effective in preventing pregnancy.

 

Emergency Contraceptive

This emergency contraceptive pill can prevent pregnancy after a person has sex without a barrier method or has their birth control method fail, such as a condom breaking. This pill delivers a high dose of birth control hormones at once. This can either prevent ovulation or make pregnancy more difficult if someone has already ovulated.

A person can buy it over the counter in pharmacies and drugstores.

Effectiveness: The sponge is 58-95% effective in preventing pregnancy. Efficacy changes over time.

 

How to get birth control for my teen

You can buy barrier methods, such as condoms, at most stores. Emergency contraceptives are available over the counter at most drug stores.

Teens who want to try prescription, hormone-based methods, or a copper IUD will need to contact a medical professional. They can speak to an OB-GYN, pediatrician, or family doctor about birth control.

There are also low-cost and free clinics to help if finances or insurance are an issue or concern.

 

Family Planning Clinics

Family planning clinics are nationwide and available to provide reproductive health care. This clinic locator is provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Population Affairs (OPA).

Rebecca White