Birth Control

Making the decision whether to have sex is personal. You should make up your own mind when the time is right for you. If you are not ready for sex, say so. If you think you are ready to have sex, or if you already have had sex, you should take steps to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

If you are a teenager, you face many decisions. To help you make choices that are right for you, talk to someone you trust, such as your parents, your healthcare provider at a family planning center or doctor’s office, or your school counselor.

If you decide to have sex, use birth control and protect yourself against pregnancy and STDs. No matter which method of birth control you choose, be sure that you know how it works and how to use it.