The contraception learning curve

Not everybody’s doing it: about half of U.S. women younger than 20 are sexually active. But among women who are having sex, younger women are more likely to experience an unintended pregnancy. What’s the deal?

First let’s look at the numbers. A new report shows that, compared to older women, sexually active women aged 15-19 are more than twice as likely to have an unintended pregnancy.

Another study* shows that the overwhelming majority of young couples feel that pregnancy should be planned, and that it is important to avoid pregnancy in their lives right now. But they also report not using birth control, or only using it sometimes. So part of the higher unintended pregnancy rate for younger women is due to the fact that they’re not using birth control, or not using it as expertly as they will later in their lives.

It can take time to learn about birth control and how the methods work for our bodies. But there’s good news: at no other time have there been so many safe and effective birth control options. One of them is bound to work for your lifestyle and your body.

Here are the highlights of the methods you could try, with the most effective ones at the top of the list:

• The implant—Super effective. It is placed under the skin of the upper arm, so you can use it privately if you want. (“Privately” meaning no one but you and your healthcare provider have to know you’re using it.) It releases a small dose of hormone every day, and can last up to three years.
• Copper IUD—Super effective. It is placed inside your uterus, and it can also be used privately. Non-hormonal. It can last up to 10 years.
• Progestin IUDs—Super effective. It is placed inside your uterus, and it can also be used privately. It releases a small dose of hormone every day, and can last up to five years.
• The shot—A shot once every three months. Can be used privately.
• The pill—You take a pill every day. If you have trouble remembering, try connecting it to something you do at the same time every day—waking up, brushing your teeth, eating dinner. You can get the pill without having a pelvic exam.
• The patch—You change a patch on your skin once a week.
• The ring—You replace a ring in your vagina once every three weeks.
• Condoms—You can’t use these privately, but they’re the only way to prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

While you’re trying different methods, it’s good to have a back-up plan. You can keep Plan B on hand for emergencies. If you’re 17 or older, you can get Plan B without a prescription at many pharmacies or online, and you may be able to get it for free at a clinic. While you’re starting a new method and figuring out if it works for you, double up and use condoms. Consider trying an implant or IUD—once you start it, you don’t have to think about it, no matter what else is going on in your life.

Don’t give up on finding a method that really works for you—you are worth the effort! Your doctor and local clinic are there to help you figure this out. Talk to them for more information.

*The National Campaign’s “Fog Zone” report.