What is the most effective form of birth control?

Besides not having vaginal sex (penis vagina sex) at all, the one that you choose and use correctly, and all the time! The condom used with spermicidal foam is just as effective as hormonal methods like the birth control pill (99%). We think condoms are the most effective as they also lower the risk of getting a Sexually Transmitted Infection. To make sure that a condom will be most effective, check that its made out of latex or polyurethane, the expiry date, the guarantee on the back, and whether or not it is lubricated. For vaginal intercourse, get a condom that is lubricated (with or without spermicide) so it’s less likely to break. If you have a non-lubricated condom, make sure to use water-based lubricant only.

If you want to pair condoms with another birth control method, like spermicides, hormonal methods, or things like a diaphragm or cervical cap, you can reduce your chances of getting pregnant even more. The birth control pill needs to be taken everyday at the same time to be effective against pregnancy - remember that you can still get an STI if you are only using the pill. Things that are not effective are: “hope”, crossing your fingers, and withdrawal (pulling out before the person ejaculates/cums).

How does birth control work?

There are many types of birth control that work in different ways. Spermicides (foam, sponge, vaginal contraceptive film, gels, etc.) are inserted into the vagina and are chemicals that kill sperm. Barrier methods (male and female condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap) block the sperm from entering into the uterus. Hormonal methods (the pill, patch, shot, ring) are a hormone or combo of hormones that stop an egg from being released from the ovaries (ovulation) and thins out the lining of the uterine wall. No birth control is 100% effective, although some have very high rates of success. The only thing someone can do to be absolutely sure they won’t get pregnant is to not have vaginal (penis/vagina) sex at all.

I want to have sex but my parents won’t put me on birth control but I really don't want to get pregnant, what do I do?

Legally, you don’t need your parent’s permission to get birth control pills. If you want pills but don’t feel comfortable getting them from your family doctor, come to one of the teen clinics. There are a number of Teen Clinics around town open in the evenings and on weekends. See the Youth Resource page for their times and locations.

It is also important to remember that the pill does not protect against STI, including HIV, so you should think about using condoms as well. Condoms are available for free at teen clinics. If there is some reason your parents are really against the pill and you would like to go along with their wishes (or would just like to try something other than the pill) there are lots of other methods of birth control. Condoms and foam, for example are available at drug stores without a prescription.

Does birth control work the first day you use it?

That depends on the type of birth control you are using. If you are using a type of birth control that has spermicide in it (foam, sponge, vaginal contraceptive film, diaphragm or cervical cap, etc), it will work that day. If you are using the birth control pill, it takes up to one month to work. This means that the person would have to take pills for one whole month before they would be effective helping to prevent pregnancy. Some other hormonal methods (the patch, shot, and ring) work differently than the pill, so call a pharmacist or talk to your doctor about how long you should wait.

No matter what type of birth control you are using it is always best to use either a female or male condom as a back up (in case the other method you are using fails) and to lower the risk of getting a STI, including HIV. One of the best things about condoms, is that they are ready to work as soon as they are put on!

How old do you have to be to get birth control?

There is no official age required to get birth control. We recommend that you think about and get birth control or condoms BEFORE you need them. This way you will be prepared for the responsibilities that come with sexual activity. If you think you may be having sex soon, then now is good time to start thinking about different types of birth control. Which method were you hoping to get? Why do you want this method over others? What are the side effects? How often will you be having sexual intercourse? Can you remember to use it correctly/take it on time? Discuss the answers to all these questions with your doctor when you go to figure out which method to get. If you do not feel comfortable going to your family doctor to discuss or get birth control then go to a teen clinic. We have a list of times and places to go on our Youth Resources page, so check it out!

Can you take birth control just to regulate your period?

Yes. Many women (especially younger women) have irregular menstrual cycles (periods) or severe cramping and pain during their menstrual cycle. The birth control pill (and other hormonal methods) gives a constant level of hormone in the blood. If a constant level of hormone is kept, the ovaries are unable to release an egg. If there is no egg there can be no pregnancy. This is why it is important for a woman to take the pill every day at the same time. By controlling the hormones, women on the pill know exactly when their periods will come (every 28 days). As well, many women who are on the pill have periods that are shorter and lighter than women who are not on the pill. That can mean cramping and some other pre-menstrual conditions may be less severe. Just because a woman is on the pill does not mean that she is using it for birth control purposes. If you or someone you know is thinking about taking the pill (for whatever reason), be sure to go to a doctor that you trust and who will give you information about the pill so you can make the best choice for you. Remember that the pill and all of the other hormonal methods offer NO protection from HIV/AIDS or STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

Does birth control lower the chances of you getting pregnant when you are an adult if you were using it when it you where a teen?

Birth control pills control ovulation (egg release) and hormone levels in your body. If you want to get pregnant as an adult it may take a few months for your body to get used to ovulating on its own. This can take anywhere from a month to a few months, but yes, you can get pregnant as soon as you stop using the birth control pill regularly. Remember, if you DO NOT want to get pregnant, take your pills at the same time everyday. If you forget a pill, use a back-up method like condoms for the rest of your cycle.

How effective is the combo of oral contraceptives and condoms as birth control?

If used correctly this is a very effective combo to prevent pregnancy, STI and HIV. Make sure you and your partner are aware of possible side effects of the pill and always use condoms. If the female is unable to be on the pill, condoms and other methods- like foam (from Klinic or a drugstore) are also highly effective at preventing pregnancy, STI and HIV.

Is birth control bad for young teens? I heard it destroys your body?

Birth control is a safe way for teens to prevent pregnancy. Sometimes teens experience side effects from the birth control they are using. For example, the Pill and Depo-Provera (the Needle) may cause nausea, headaches, and depression. If you are experiencing a side effect from your birth control, you should see your doctor or go to a Teen Clinic and they will help you find a different birth control (e.g. they will give you a different dosage/brand of birth control pill).

If you have side effects from Depo-Provera they will last for the whole 3 months (84 days). A good idea would be to talk to your doctor first if you are interested in going on Depo-Provera because it is being reviewed right now about how safe it is for people’s bones. You may want to try the pill first to see how your body reacts to the hormones in Depo and then make a decision if you are thinking of trying it.

Be honest with your doctor about whether you smoke or not, and whether you have a history of depression. That way the doctor can make a decision that suits your needs best. Also remember, that hormonal methods are 95-99% effective only when used correctly. That means there is always a chance of pregnancy. Abstinence (not doing it) is the only 100% effective method. Only the male or female condom can protect you from STI/HIV, so no matter what other method you choose, condoms should be used each and every time you have sex.

I was wondering about other methods of birth control besides foam, pill and condoms?

There are many other forms of birth control to choose from, but the pill, foam and condoms are the methods most commonly used by younger people. Here are a few points to take into account when choosing a method of birth control.

· Remember that condoms, both male and female, are the only methods of birth control that can lower your risk of getting sexually transmitted infections and HIV.

· Remember, abstinence (not having sex) is the only 100% way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

· Think about your own comfort with your body. Can you insert things into your body? Methods like the female condom, the sponge, the diaphragm, and the cervical cap are barrier methods that sit around the cervix at the top of the vaginal canal. You must be comfortable with inserting your fingers into your vagina to use these methods. A doctor must fit the cervical cap and diaphragm to the shape of your individual body.

· Depo-Provera is another form of hormonal birth control that is available to women. It works similarly to the birth control pill and should be given by injection every 84 days (just under 3 months). Health Canada has issued a health advisory warning that Depo can cause loss of bone density if used for longer than 2 years. It‘s currently under review and anyone thinking of using it should talk to a doctor about possible side effects. If you are interested in this method you should call the clinic ahead to make an appointment and find out more information. If you have never tried a hormonal method before you may want to try the birth control pill first to see if you experience any negative side effects such as nausea, weight change, headaches, fatigue or depression. If you experience any negative side effects, the Depo shot cannot be reversed so you would have to wait almost three months for side effects to go away.

· For more information about birth control and youth sexuality you can visit a great website www.spiderbytes.ca