How exactly do you get a prescription for birth control?

You need to visit your gynecologist or a family planning clinic, like Planned Parenthood.

Family planning clinics have programs specially designed to help young people get birth control, testing for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, and other reproductive health care. These clinics usually offer their services at very low cost or for free for people who can't afford to pay.

Clinics called Title X clinics have strict confidentiality policies, meaning they won't share your information or medical history with anyone, not even your parents. Private doctor's office may have their own policies about confidentiality and whether they're willing to treat teens. It's a good idea to call any clinic or doctor's office first and ask them about their policies.

For more information on the different birth control methods and how to get them, check out "An A to Z of Contraception." And to find a confidential Title X clinic near you, check out this clinic locator from the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association.