You never know when you'll get lucky.
Both of you are responsible for birth control. Do not rely on your partner to provide it. Guys -- don't assume she's on the pill! Women -- don't assume he's got a condom!
No matter what kind of birth control you use, always use a condom too, because condoms can also keep you from getting HIV and STD's
available at drugstores
- Condom/Rubber:
- Looks
like a rubber sock for your dick.
Use with a spermicide. We
recommend latex condoms because lambskin condoms don’t block
HIV and STDs, and polyurethane
condoms are still being tested for reliability. If you think you might be allergic to latex see Trouble
Shooting. Using a
water-based lubricant during sex can prevent the condom from breaking
and help prevent vaginal soreness/irritation.
(See SafeSex.)
- Female Condom:
- A
plastic (polyurethane) pouch held inside the vagina with a flexible
plastic ring. It’s less
effective than the male condom in preventing STD’s and pregnancy,
and it’s more expensive. But,
if you’re allergic to latex, this might be a good alternative (see Trouble Shooting). Some women prefer it, others find it bulky.
You can’t use it for anal sex, and we don’t recommend using
it with a sex toy.
- Spermicide:
- A cream, foam, jelly, sponge, or suppository put in your vagina to kill sperm. Used with other forms of birth control. If you start getting UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections), stop using spermicide. To find out more about the problems with spermicide, click here.
available at clinics
- Diaphragm or Cervical Cap:
- Looks like a small rubber Frisbee or cap
that you put in your vagina. Use
with spermicide.
- The Pill:
- A pill taken at the same time every day. If you miss a day you must also use another birth control method for the rest of the month cycle. The pill has some health risks -- ask your health care provider.
Some frequently asked questions about the pill can be found here.
- Morning After Pill:
- A series of pills that you must take within
five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Only for emergencies. Some side effects. For more information call the Emergency Contraceptive Hotline at
1-888-NOT-2-LATE or visit http://www.not-2-late.com.
- I.U.D.:
- A small plastic thing that is put into your
uterus. Not recommended
for teens due to high risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and
other health risks.
- Depo Provera:
- A birth control shot that lasts 3 months. Possible
side effects include heavy periods, weight gain, and more.
Once you get the shot, you’re stuck for at least 3 months.
To find out more about the problems with Depo Provera, click
here.
- Ring:
- A small ring that you put into your vagina.
It releases hormones into your body for 3 weeks and then you
take it out for the 4th week. The Ring works like "The Pill" and has similar side
effects.
- Patch:
- A small patch that is stuck to your skin and releases hormones into your body. Change the patch once a week. It works like "The Pill" and has similar side effects. It's not recommended for women over 200 pounds.
available everywhere
(but not reliable)
- Withdrawal:
- WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS. Even guys who can tell when they're going to cum can't always pull out fast enough. And besides, when a guy's penis gets hard, some cum leaks out of it before orgasm (precum). Precum can get you pregnant and give you HIV and many STDs.
- Rhythm Method:
- WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS. Using your menstrual cycle to predict the days you can get pregnant, and then only having sex on the days you think you can't. This method is very unreliable and often results in an unwanted pregnancy.
To protect yourself from HIV and STDs: Always use a condom in addition to other forms of birth control.
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both ofyou are responsible for birth control
always use a condom in addition to other forms of birth control