Hormones and Teen Medical Issues
General Reproductive Health Care
Contraception
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STD)
Eating Disorders
General Teen Health Resources
Health Regulations Regarding Confidentiality and Consent for Minors
College Health
Adolescent Women's Health
Birth Control Pill Instructions
Choosing to engage in sexual activity is a very important decision. Teens who are sexually active need to be knowledgeable about their options so that they can make the best choices for themselves. Of course, abstinence is the best contraceptive!
Dr. Arden has worked with hundreds of adolescents to help them choose and effectively use their best contraceptive options. At your visit, Dr. Arden will work with you to identify the various factors involved in making this choice and will make sure you understand how to use your method correctly.
For more information about what to consider when choosing a contraceptive method, go to this link:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/ask-dr-cullins/ask-dr-cullins-birth-control-14252.htm
Non-prescription Methods: No prescription from a doctor is required, so, if you are sexually active, you can start using them today!
Condoms: Condoms are recommended for all sexually active teenagers because they provide the best protection against sexually transmitted infections. They need to be used every time, from start to finish. Lubricated spermicidal latex condoms are the best choice for most teens, but other types are preferable in specific situations. They can be purchased without a prescription at most pharmacies and many convenience stores. For more information about condoms, go to these links:
http://www.contraceptiononline.org/contrareport/pdfs/13_04_pu.pdf
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/condom-10187.htm
Female condoms are used much less frequently, because they are more expensive and less convenient, but they can be a good option for some teens. For more information about them, go to:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/female-condom-4223.htm
Spermicides: When used alone, spermicides are not effective enough for most adolescents – but they are a very good way to improve the effectiveness of male condoms. There are a number of different types, including foam, jellies, inserts, film, and the sponge, all of which are inserted into the vagina in advance of sexual activity. They are available at most drugstores, usually next to the sanitary napkins.. For more information, go to:
Spermicides in general:
http://www.contraceptiononline.org/contrareport/pdfs/13_03_pu.pdf
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/spermicide-4225.htm
Sponge:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-sponge-today-sponge-4224.htm
Douching: Douching is not an effective method of birth control and should not be used!
Withdrawal (pulling out): Although withdrawal provides some decrease in the risk of pregnancy, you should not rely on it! If withdrawal is used, it should be followed by emergency contraception (see below)
Prescription Methods: You need a doctor's prescription to get these methods; at your visit, Dr. Arden will determine if they are safe for you. In general, the prescription methods are more effective than non-prescription methods.
Combination Hormonal Contraception: Hormonal contraception is a very good choice for many teens, but it is not recommended for people with some medical conditions that increase the risk of serious side effects. It is very effective and has the added benefit of regulating periods and decreasing acne and menstrual cramps. Until recently, birth control pills (oral contraceptives) were the only hormonal option, but now the same medications are available in the patch and the vaginal ring.
Oral Contraceptive Pills "the pill": A small pill is taken every day. Generally, birth control pills are given for 3 weeks, followed by a week of placebo pills during which a period occurs. Extended regimens are now available which decrease the frequency of periods by providing active pills for longer than the traditional 3 weeks.
http://www.contraceptiononline.org/contrareport/pdfs/07_05_pu.pdf
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-pill-4228.htm
Extended regimen:
http://www.contraceptiononline.org/contrareport/pdfs/14_01_pu.pdf
Patch: A skin patch, which lasts a week, is worn three weeks in a row, followed by one week off when the period comes:
http://www.contraceptiononline.org/contrareport/pdfs/13_01_pu.pdf
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-patch-ortho-evra-4240.htm
Ring: A flexible ring is placed and left in the vaginal for 3 weeks, then is removed for a week and the period comes:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-vaginal-ring-nuvaring-4241.htm
Hormonal Contraceptive Injection: Depo-Provera is a shot that is given once every three months. It contains only one hormone (progesterone), so it can be used by women who cannot tolerate the combination hormonal contraceptives. It is very effective and can be a very good option for teens who have trouble remembering to use other methods. For more information, go to these links:
http://www.contraceptiononline.org/contrareport/pdfs/14_03_pu.pdf
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-shot-depo-provera-4242.htm
Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a flexible latex cup that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix during intercourse. It must always be used with spermicide. It is not one of the most effective methods, but is a very good choice for some adolescents. The diaphragm comes in different sizes, so if you choose this method, Dr. Arden will determine your size and teach you how to use it at an office visit. For more information, go to:
http://www.contraceptiononline.org/contrareport/pdfs/13_02_pu.pdfhttp://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/diaphragm-4244.htm
Other Methods: In addition to the methods described above, there are some other options that are not usually used by adolescents. They include natural family planning, IUD, implants, sterilization, and others. More information about these methods can be found at:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control-4211.htm
Emergency Contraception: Emergency contraception is also known as the morning-after pill. It is not as effective as contraception used before intercourse, but it can substantially reduce the chance of pregnancy after an accidental episode of unprotected intercourse. The best emergency contraception for most teens is called Plan B. It comes in a package of two pills, which can be taken at the same time or 12 hours apart. Plan B should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, because the effectiveness decreases greatly over time. If you are 18 or older, you can get Plan B at a pharmacy without a prescription, but you have to ask the pharmacist for it. If you are under 18 years old, you should call Dr. Arden right away for a prescription. You can also get a Plan B prescription in advance at your visit, just in case you might need it some day.
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/emergency-contraception-morning-after-pill-4363.htm
http://www.path.org/files/RH_EC_english_A4.pdf
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/emergencycontraception.html
