The following will give you an overview of the methods currently available. The only 100 percent effective guarantee against pregnancy is not having sexual intercourse, called abstinence. Vaginal intercourse without birth control, even once, even the first time, can cause pregnancy. While most birth control methods are for use by women, both partners are responsible for preventing unintended pregnancy, and for making decisions if a pregnancy does occur. Most kinds of birth control are reversible, allowing a woman to get pregnant when she and her partner stop using it.
All reversible methods are available to young people without their parents' permission.
Like other prescription medicines, prescription birth control may have side effects and health risks for women, as well as other health-related benefits. It is for use only after a pregnancy test determines that a girl or woman is not already pregnant, and must be administered by a doctor or clinician. Foams, creams, jellies, films, and suppositories are liquids or solids that are inserted into the vagina before intercourse. The condom is a sheath that fits over the penis. It prevents pregnancy by catching semen before, during, and after a man ejaculates.