The best birth control methods for teens are accessible, effective, and easy to use. It’s important to remember that some methods may require consent from a guardian if you’re a minor.

If you’re sexually active or planning on having sex, it’s important to find a form of contraception that works for you. Regardless of your gender, sexual orientation, or genitalia, it’s important to consider which type of birth control to use.

This can be tricky for anyone. And if you’re a teenager who needs contraception, it can be even more difficult. You’ll have to consider other factors, such as guardian consent, access, and cost.

There are many kinds of contraception out there, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. While a healthcare professional is best equipped to help you figure out what’s best for your individual needs, this brief guide can help you choose a birth control method that works for you.

Before you choose contraception, there are a few things you need to know as a teenager.

There isn’t a ‘right’ age — if you’re ready, you’re ready

There’s no ‘right’ age to start having sex, whether that’s solo (aka masturbation) or partnered.

Some people have sex as teenagers, others wait until their twenties, and others choose to be celibate forever — and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s your choice!

Choosing to have sex is a personal decision, and it’s up to you whether you want to or not. Just remember to practice enthusiastic consent when you’re with your partner(s) and take measures to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Some — not all — methods may require a guardian’s consent

Depending on the method you want to use, you might need consent from a guardian if you’re a minor. Laws on this can vary from state to state, so it’s important to look up the laws where you live or talk with a local healthcare professional.

For more about where you live, check out our comprehensive state-by-state guide.

Some methods may require a pelvic exam

In order to use certain forms of contraception, such as an intrauterine device (IUD), you’ll need a pelvic exam.

During this exam, a doctor or another healthcare professional will take a look at your vagina and vulva, inspecting the area for signs of infection or other underlying conditions. A pelvic exam usually includes a Pap smear.

While pelvic exams are no big deal for some, other people aren’t comfortable with them. If you fall into the latter camp, you might want to opt for a birth control method that doesn’t require a pelvic exam.

With that said, it’s usually recommended that you have a pelvic exam every year or so after becoming sexually active.

Birth control can also be used for symptom management

Many people use birth control even when they aren’t sexually active.

The pill is associated with a range of benefits other than simply preventing pregnancy. For example, some people take contraceptive pills to help reduce acne, heavy periods, and menstrual cramps.

You don’t have to stick with the same method forever

Remember: You don’t have to use the same contraception forever. In fact, many people change methods.

You might change birth control methods because:

  • you start experiencing side effects
  • you can afford a method that works better for you
  • your lifestyle has changed

Just make sure you talk with a healthcare professional before you stop using your current method and switch to a new one. They can advise you on the best way to make the transition, ideally minimizing unwanted side effects during this time.

As with any other age group, there’s no one-size-fits-all birth control method for teens. The method you choose depends on what’s convenient for you and what works best with your body. For example, some people might experience side effects with one form of birth control but not with others.

Here are some of the most popular and easy-to-use birth control methods.

The most accessible method: Condoms

Condoms are probably the form of birth control that will be most accessible to you. You can buy them online or at a supermarket. And, unlike most other forms of contraception, they don’t require a prescription.

Unless you have an allergy to latex or the lubricant commonly found on condoms, the side effects are usually pretty rare and mild.

A big advantage of using condoms is that they can reduce your risk of contracting a STI.

You can also use them alongside another birth control method, like an IUD or the pill, further reducing your chance of unwanted pregnancy.

However, in order for condoms to be effective, they need to be used correctly and consistently — and it’s not always as easy as it looks. And even if you use condoms correctly, there’s a chance they’ll break.

The most effective methods: IUDs and implants

The most effective methods are the implant and the IUD. These are long-term birth control methods, but they can be removed early if you prefer.

A huge advantage of these options is that you can get them inserted and then not worry about them. Compared with the pill, which you have to take every day, these options are pretty low maintenance.

The implant is a matchstick-size plastic rod that’s inserted under your skin. It releases the hormone progestin, which prevents ovulation.

According to Planned Parenthood, the implant is more than 99% effective. You don’t need a pelvic exam to get an implant, but you’ll have to see a healthcare professional to have it inserted.

You’ll need a pelvic exam and a prescription for IUD insertion too.

There are two different kinds of IUDs: the copper IUD and hormonal IUDs.

The copper IUD is a nonhormonal method, which is a bonus for those who don’t want to use hormonal contraception. Copper repels sperm, which is why it’s effective. The copper IUD can be left in for up to 12 years.

A hormonal IUD can be left in place for 3 to 7 years. It releases progestin by thickening cervical mucus and making the uterine lining thin. Some people find that the hormonal IUD stops their period or makes it lighter.

The most popular method: Contraceptive pills

Oral contraceptive pills are a very popular birth control method. You can use a minipill (progestin only) or a combination pill (progestin and estrogen).

But there are some potential drawbacks. First, you have to take them every single day around the same time in order for them to be effective.

Second, some people experience side effects, such as acne or breast tenderness, while others have unexpected perks like lighter periods, less acne, and a more regulated mood.

Plan B and other emergency contraceptives

If you’ve had sex without a condom or if you used a condom that broke, you might want to use a form of emergency contraception.

Hormonal emergency contraception options can include:

A copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception if it’s inserted within 5 days after you had sex.

According to Planned Parenthood, emergency IUD insertion reduces the chance of pregnancy by 99%. However, you’ll need a healthcare professional to insert the IUD.

Fertility awareness (also called the ‘rhythm method’)

The rhythm method involves tracking your menstrual cycle to find out when you’re fertile. This helps you avoid penis-in-vagina sex — and other activities that may introduce semen to the vaginal canal, like fingering after touching pre-cum or ejaculate — around the fertile period. Doing so can reduce your chances of getting pregnant.

The fertility awareness method combines the rhythm method with observation methods (like tracking your temperature and checking your cervical mucus) to predict ovulation.

The effectiveness of the fertility awareness method depends on many factors, including the method you use and how accurately you chart your cycle and symptoms.

You can combine this method with another method, such as condoms, to further reduce your chances of unwanted pregnancy.

PSA: Withdrawal isn’t reliable

The withdrawal method, also known as the pull-out method, involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation occurs.

Although it’s a common approach to contraception, it isn’t very effective. According to the Office on Women’s Health, 22% of people who use the pull-out method become pregnant.

You may benefit from opting for a more effective form of birth control.

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The contraception you choose depends on your specific situation. To figure out which method is best for you, you can ask yourself the following questions:

  • How effective is this method?
  • Is it easy to use?
  • What are the potential side effects?
  • How much does it cost?
  • Can it prevent STIs?

While condoms can usually be purchased at your local store, you’ll need to see a healthcare professional to get other forms of contraception, like the pill or an IUD.

If you have a primary care doctor, they can help you with contraception.

But if seeing a general practitioner is too costly or you aren’t comfortable discussing birth control with your usual doctor, there are other options, including local health departments and family planning clinics like Planned Parenthood.

If you’re a college or university student, your school probably has a health clinic that offers free or discounted services.

If you’re an adult helping a teen choose a form of contraception, there are a few points to remember:

  • Respect their autonomy: Remember that their decision to use birth control or engage in sexual activity is theirs.
  • Keep an open line of communication: Let them know that they can approach you with questions if they need to.
  • Respect their privacy: They might not be comfortable discussing sex and birth control in detail. Be prepared to direct them to a doctor, a clinic, or online resources if they have questions they don’t want to ask you.

The best birth control methods for teens are accessible, effective, and easy to use.

There are many kinds of contraception out there, which have various advantages and disadvantages. A healthcare professional is best equipped to help you figure out what’s best for your individual needs.

It’s important to remember that some methods may require consent from a guardian if you’re a minor.