“Any guy worth his weight in salt takes the responsibility of pregnancy very seriously and any woman who allows a guy to shed such responsibility isn't ready to be having sex.”
—John, 18, TX
What is birth control?
Birth control is a way to prevent pregnancy. While there are many different types of birth control, they all fall into two different categories: barrier or hormonal.
Barrier methods block the sperm from getting to the egg. Condoms (both male and female), diaphragms, and cervical caps are all barrier methods of birth control.
Hormonal methods basically change the menstrual and ovulation cycle to prevent a female from releasing an egg from her ovaries, known as ovulation. That makes it nearly impossible for a pregnancy to happen, since there is no egg present to join with the sperm. Birth control pills ("the Pill"), Depo-Provera ("the Shot"), NuvaRing ("the Ring"), and Ortha Evra ("the patch") are all hormonal methods of birth control.
For more information and photos of all the birth control methods, go to the story "An A to Z of Contraception" by Claire Marchetta, 18, Staff Writer.
Barrier methods block the sperm from getting to the egg. Condoms (both male and female), diaphragms, and cervical caps are all barrier methods of birth control.
Hormonal methods basically change the menstrual and ovulation cycle to prevent a female from releasing an egg from her ovaries, known as ovulation. That makes it nearly impossible for a pregnancy to happen, since there is no egg present to join with the sperm. Birth control pills ("the Pill"), Depo-Provera ("the Shot"), NuvaRing ("the Ring"), and Ortha Evra ("the patch") are all hormonal methods of birth control.
For more information and photos of all the birth control methods, go to the story "An A to Z of Contraception" by Claire Marchetta, 18, Staff Writer.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Your Comments
Birth Control
Posted by: Thelma009 on Jul 4th, 2008 10:56pm
Where can i get birth control pills? Can i get them without
my parents knowing? Which birth control pill is more
effective?
RE: Risks?
Posted by: DanR on May 27th, 2008 10:24am
There can be side effects and risks (minor or major)of
starting any kind of hormonal drug depending on how your
body reacts to it. Your health care provider will be able
to talk to you and decide which pill might be right for you.
You should work closely with him/her to monitor how you are
feeling when you first start the pill, and any side effects
that you may be feeling. Remember it is OK to ask them lots
of questions (there are no dumb ones)…it is your body and
your health.
Risks?
Posted by: volleyball7406 on May 25th, 2008 1:39am
Are there any risks to taking the pill? Because my boyfriend
and i just started having sex and i don't want to do it
regularly until i am on the pill so i want to make sure that
there aren't any serious risks to taking it before i start.
You Must Be Logged In to Comment
Answer, Rutgers University © 2008. All Rights Reserved.
Developed by MSSG, Office of Information Technology
RE: Birth Control
Posted by: DanR on Jul 8th, 2008 12:14pm
You can get a prescription for birth control from any health
care provider. You can see your own doctor or go to a
clinic. Most clinics can prescribe birth control without
your parents knowing, but the laws surrounding this do vary
depending on your age and what state you live in. Check out
our sex in the states page for more info:
http://www.sexetc.org/state. A health care provider will
also be able to discuss your current health and help you
decide which hormonal pill will be best for you.