What You Should Know About

Contraception! 

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Office of Public Health and Science - Office of Population Affairs

Teen Talk #3

Know The

Facts...True 

or False

Everyone’s ‘doing it.’

FALSE...Everyone’s not ‘doing it.’ Four

out of 5 teens under age 16 have never

had sex. 

Most teens who get pregnant or get

someone pregnant want to be parents. 

FALSE...82 percent of all teen

pregnancies are unintended. 

A girl can get pregnant if it’s her first

time having sex. 

TRUE...If she has sex, she can become

pregnant even if she has never had a

period. It is important to know that the

menstrual cycle begins before the

menstrual period. Girls can ovulate

(release an egg) and become pregnant

before seeing their first period. 

Pulling out is a very good way to keep

from getting a girl pregnant.

FALSE...Some semen leaks before

ejaculation. You can get a girl pregnant

even if you withdraw (pull out). And it’s

difficult to withdraw just before ejaculating

(sometimes called ‘cumming’). 

Continued on the other side.

“Are some methods of

contraception better

than others at

preventing pregnancy?”

Yes. Abstinence is the only 100% sure way to

not get pregnant. If you choose to have sex,

know that some contraception methods are

more effective than others, but no other method

offers you total assurance. To be effective, whatever method you choose must be used correctly

and consistently. Always read and follow the

package instructions. It is a good idea to discuss

this with your health provider.

“Is the condom the

only kind of

contraception for

males?”

No. Vasectomy is a permanent method of

contraception. But the condom is the most

common method used by young males.

Remember, the condom not only protects you

from getting (or getting someone) pregnant, it

may also provide protection against HIV/AIDS

and some other STDs. 

“How do I decide

which method of

contraception to

use?”

Your health care provider can help you

decide which method is best for you.

Remember, even if you are using a method like

the pill, the latex condom is the only method that

may provide some protection against HIV/AIDS

and some STDs.

“Do I need a

prescription to get

contraception?”

Latex condoms can be purchased without a

prescription, but other methods require one.

Even if you use a nonprescription method, it is a

good idea to see a health care provider on a

regular basis.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Office of Public Health and Science

Office of Population Affairs

Wait

TThhiinnkk

TTaallkk

The Basics

“What is 

contraception?”

Contraception (also known as birth control)

refers to the many different methods of

preventing pregnancy. Abstinence from

sexual activity until marriage is the only

100% sure contraception. Also, abstinent

teens are not at risk for pregnancy or

STDs, including HIV/AIDS. Teens who

choose to be sexually active should remain

faithful (not have sex with anyone else) to

reduce the possibility of getting or giving

someone an STD or HIV/AIDS. The latex

condom is the only contraceptive method

that may provide protection against some

STDs, including HIV/AIDS. Research

shows that latex condoms may not be

effective against some STDs such as

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV - the virus

that causes genital warts.)

“Who needs 

contraception?”

Anyone who has sex and doesn’t want to

get pregnant or get someone pregnant

needs contraception. Any time you have

sex, there is a risk of pregnancy. Not

having sex—abstinence—is the only 100%

sure way to avoid pregnancy. 
Abstinence—Not having vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Abstinence is

the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs, including

HIV/AIDS. 

Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)—An IUD is a small plastic device that is

inserted into a woman's uterus by a trained clinician. Those used in the U.S.

contain copper or hormones. This method is not generally recommended 

for teens, but is excellent for faithful married couples.

Natural Family Planning—Not having sex during the 5 or 6 days of the

month when it is possible for the woman to get pregnant. Specialized

training is essential for using this method. 

Spermicide—A cream, foam, jelly or insert which kills sperm. Spermicides

do not protect against STDs or HIV/AIDS. Nonoxynol-9, the most common

spermicide, may increase the risk of HIV/AIDS in individuals who are at risk

for an STD or HIV/AIDS.

Sterilization—A permanent, surgical form of contraception that blocks the

fallopian tubes in women (tubal ligation) and the vas deferens in men

(vasectomy).

Withdrawal—Removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation. It may

not prevent pregnancy, because some semen may leak before ejaculation. 

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal methods prevent pregnancy by interrupting the normal

process for becoming pregnant. Hormonal methods do not protect

against STDs. 

Emergency Contraception—Hormonal pills that are taken within 72

hours of unprotected sex or method failure (e.g., the condom broke or

you forgot to take your pill). Emergency contraception is the only

method that can be used after having sex to prevent pregnancy.

Hormonal Implant—Small capsules inserted under the skin of a

woman’s upper arm that release small amounts of a hormone. 

Hormonal Injection—A hormone injection ("shot") that is injected into

a woman's arm or buttock on a regular basis (every 1 to 3 months,

depending on the hormones). 

Hormonal Patch—A thin beige patch containing hormones that a

woman applies to her skin once a week for three weeks. Hormones

that prevent pregnancy are released during the time the patch is on.

The woman removes it for one week, during which time she has 

her period.

The Pill—A pill for women that must be taken at the same time 

every day. 

Vaginal Ring—A ring containing hormones that a woman puts into her

vagina and leaves there for three weeks. Hormones that prevent

pregnancy are released for that time. The woman removes it for one

week, during which time she has her period.

Barrier Methods 

Barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

Condom/Rubber—A cover for the penis or vagina. Latex condoms

may provide protection against some STDs, including HIV/AIDS. 

Diaphragm/Cervical Cap—A shallow latex cup which the woman 

puts into her vagina, covering the cervix, before having sex. The

diaphragm is generally used with a spermicidal jelly or cream that

stops or kills sperm.

July 1999, Reprinted September 2001, Updated March 2003

Contraceptive Methods

True or False...

continued from the front

Contraception is the girl’s responsibility. 

FALSE...Contraception is both partners’ responsibility. Every baby

has a father and a mother, and both males and females can get

STDs, including HIV/AIDS.

If you use contraception, you can still get pregnant or get a

girl pregnant. 

TRUE...Nothing is 100% sure except abstinence — not having sex

(vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse). 

All contraceptive methods protect against STDs, including

HIV/AIDS. 

FALSE...Most contraceptive methods do not protect against STDs,

including HIV/AIDS. But latex condoms may provide some

protection. Without a latex condom, STDs can be passed from

person to person during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. While some

STDs are curable, others are not. Even when another form of

contraception is used, it is important to also use a latex condom to

provide as much protection as possible. Abstinence is the only

100% sure way to protect against risk of STDs, including

HIV/AIDS. Faithful married couples are at very low risk for STDs.

For additional copies, please contact: Office of Population Affairs Clearinghouse

Email: clearinghouse@dhhsopa.net • Phone: 866 640-PUBS (7827) • Fax: 866 592-FAXX (3299)

Mail: PO Box 30686, Bethesda, MD 20824-0686 • Copies available for download at website: http://opa.osophs.dhhs/gov/publications

Other Methods