Amelia Grant

Using birth control is a good idea if you have vaginal sex and don't want to get pregnant. Other advantages of birth control include relief from PMS and acne.

Should I Start Using Birth Control?

You can become pregnant at any time you have penis-in-vagina (AKA vaginal) sex, including the first time. So, if you have vaginal sex or suspect you will soon and don't want to get pregnant, use birth control.

There are numerous types of birth control. Some are more effective than others. However, using any method of birth control is preferable to using none at all. Individuals who engage in vaginal intercourse without using birth control have an 85% probability of becoming pregnant within a year.

Birth control isn't just used to prevent pregnancy; it can also offer a variety of other advantages. Hormonal birth control methods (such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, implant, and hormonal IUD) help reduce cramping and PMS and make your periods lighter. The pill, patch, and ring can also assist with acne and regularize your cycles. Almost everyone utilizes birth control at some point in their lives.

How Can I Obtain Birth Control?

Some forms of birth control, such as condoms, are available at drugstores or convenience stores. Condoms can be purchased by anybody, and no identification is required. Community clinics, school nurses, and birth control centers may occasionally provide free condoms. Condoms also help protect you from STDs! So, even if you're using another kind of birth control, it's a good idea to use condoms.

Some methods of birth control are more effective than others. To obtain the methods of birth control that work best to prevent conception, such as the IUD, implant, injection, pill, patch, or ring, you must consult with a doctor or nurse. Google “birth control services near me” to contact one. These types of birth control are available from your normal doctor or gynecologist, as well as your local birth control center.

A comprehensive exam is usually not required to obtain birth control. What happens at your appointment, however, is determined on your personal health, the doctor's rules, and the type of birth control you desire. Here's what you may expect:

Your nurse or doctor will ask you about your medical history (questions regarding your previous health) and take your blood pressure. A pelvic exam is occasionally performed, but it is not always necessary.

Your doctor will administer the IUD, implant, or shot to you in the health center. If you choose the pill, patch, or ring, you will almost certainly be given a prescription. The prescription can be used to obtain birth control at a drugstore or pharmacy. Some doctors may even have pills, patches, or rings available in the health center for you to take with you to your visit.

If you have health insurance, you should not have to pay for birth control. If you do not have health insurance, contact your local birth control center to learn about free or low-cost birth control options.

What If I Make a Mistake or Don't Use Birth Control?

Don't panic if you make a birth control error or have intercourse without using birth control at all - you still have a few days to try to avoid pregnancy.

Emergency contraception is a type of birth control that can help prevent pregnancy for up to 5 days after sex without protection. Taking a "morning-after pill" or receiving a Paragard (copper), Mirena, or Liletta IUD is considered emergency contraception.

Some morning-after medications (such as Plan B) are available without a prescription at your local drugstore or birth control center. However, it is critical to take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex, otherwise it will not work as well. Another type of morning-after tablet known as ella is more effective than Plan B, but it requires a prescription from a nurse or doctor to obtain.

IUDs such as the Paragard (copper), Mirena, and Liletta are the most effective type of emergency contraception available. If one of these IUDs is placed within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex, it is more than 99% effective against conception. However, a doctor must insert the IUD, and it might be difficult to schedule an appointment on short notice.

As soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, contact your doctor or a birth control center for assistance in determining the appropriate method of emergency contraception for you.