How do I prevent pregnancy?

Okay, let’s get right to the point on this one. If you are having penis-in-vagina sex, you’ve gotta find a type of birth control that works for you, and then use it every single time you have sex. If you ever forget and have unprotected sex, even if the partner with the penis doesn’t ejaculate, you can take emergency contraception within 3-5 days after. But if you’re having sex and don’t want to become pregnant, having a birth control plan in place takes the stress out of the whole situation. The good news is that there are a lot of options—and we can help you figure out what’s best for you!

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical signals that our bodies make naturally that coordinate different functions. They do this by carrying messages throughout our bodies through blood to our organs, skin, muscles, and tissue. Everyone has hormones, no matter their sex or gender, and these little signals essentially tell our bodies what to do and when to do it. We’d be nothing without them, and scientists have identified over 50 hormones in the human body so far.

What are “hormonal methods” of birth control?

Hormonal birth control methods can be used by females, or people assigned female at birth, to prevent pregnancy by using progestin and estrogen. Female bodies already make these hormones naturally, but by shifting the levels of these hormones, hormonal birth control methods can make it so a pregnancy is unable to take in a female body. 

There are lots of options for hormonal birth control: pills, injectables, skin patches, vaginal rings, implants, or small devices that are inserted in your uterus (intrauterine devices, or IUDs). There’s also emergency contraception, which is an immediately-after-sex option that also uses hormones. So. Many. Choices. But no worries! We can help you figure out what makes the most sense for you. We have a quiz you can take called Which birth control is my best match?

Are there side effects from hormonal birth control?

Side effects from birth control can be different for everyone, so what might be a deal-breaker for one person could be no biggie for someone else. Some hormonal birth control methods can lead to some side effects like spotting (bleeding in between periods), headaches, mood swings, or gaining a little weight. But just so we’re clear, hormonal birth control is super safe. If you’re ready to get pregnant, just stop taking it. Once you stop, your body will adjust back (though it may take different amounts of time depending on type of birth control and your unique body chemistry.)

What methods have more or less hormones?

Different kinds of hormonal birth control methods have higher or lower “doses” of hormones. They all work a little differently, and therefore can affect people a little differently, which is why you’ll always hear us saying that it’s a super personal choice. Here are your hormonal options, in order from highest to lowest hormone level:

• Highest: The birth control injectable has the highest dosage of hormones. You get an injection (a shot in the arm) of the hormones that will stay in your system for approximately 3 months.
• Medium: Next, the pill, patch or ring - they contain a medium amount of hormones and they stay in your system over a shorter period of time, from days for the pill, to weeks for the patch and ring.
• Lower: The arm implant, Nexplanon, is working around the clock and emits low doses of hormones. You only have to replace it once every 5 years.
• Lowest: Hormonal IUDs have the lowest dosage of hormones because they are placed in your uterus and are more locally-acting. Some brands, like the Mirena IUD, only have to be replaced once every 8 years. Note: There is also a non-hormonal (copper) IUD that works differently than hormonal methods, but is just as safe and only has to be replaced every 12 years.

Which birth control methods don’t use hormones?

There are two basic types of non-hormonal birth control methods: barrier methods (like condoms), and non-hormonal (copper) IUDs.  

At the end of the day, the choice between hormonal and non-hormonal birth control is up to you. We recommend that you find a healthcare provider to chat through which method suits you best based on your preferences, your lifestyle, and what works for your body. But you don’t have to go into that conversation blind! Our birth control matching quiz can help you decide what birth control might be best for you.

What are long-acting birth control methods?

Alright, let's talk about some birth control methods that are long-lasting and easy to remove when you're ready. If you don’t like it, or you’re okay with becoming pregnant, you can have a health provider remove them whenever you want.  These options are all about convenience and peace of mind. Both are invisible to the eye, so no one will know you have it unless you tell them.

1. IUDs: IUDs are T-shaped and about the size of a quarter. A healthcare provider inserts one into your uterus, and it will keep you protected against pregnancy for up to 3-12 years, depending on the brand. 
2. Contraceptive implants: Implants are like little rods about the size of a matchstick. One is inserted under your skin in your arm, releasing hormones to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.

What are birth control methods that I have more control over compared to long-acting methods?

There are a bunch of options for birth control methods that aren’t inserted into your body (unlike long-acting methods) that you don’t have to think about every day. These work well for some people who might not feel comfortable with something inserted into their body. But remember, you’re still responsible for remembering to take, change, or re-up weekly, monthly, or every few months, depending on the method. Here are your options: 

1. Birth control injections: These are shots that you get from your healthcare provider. They contain a higher dose of hormones that keep you covered for 3 months. Once that time's up, you'll need to head back to a clinic for another shot. Some providers might teach you how to inject at home so that you don’t need to go to a clinic. So, if you’re okay with picking up the medication from a pharmacy and injecting yourself, ask your clinic if this may be an option.
2. Vaginal rings: These are flexible rings that you insert into your vagina that slowly release hormones. You leave one ring in for 3 weeks without ever taking it out (even for sex!), take a break for a week, and then pop in a new one to stay protected. 
3. Contraceptive patches: These are small stickers that you place on your skin like a band-aid and they slowly release hormones. You wear a patch for a week, then swap it out for another.

Could a person get pregnant if they’re using birth control?

You should be using some kind of protection or contraception every time you have any kind of sex. This is important. But, there is always a tiny possibility that something goes wrong and it doesn’t work. (Does this mean you shouldn’t use ‘em? Definitely not. And some work better than others, so use our birth control matching quiz to figure out which one might work best for you.) If you are female-bodied (i.e. you have a uterus) and you think you might be pregnant, you can always get a pregnancy tes t from your local drugstore. You can also take our quiz “How do I know if I’m pregnant?” to help you through this situation.

What are all of my birth control options?

We have compiled a list of some common birth control methods in this section for you to get more info and weigh the pros and cons of each one. You can also take our quiz, “Which birth control is my best match?” if you prefer. Here they are (if you feel like we are missing something please reach out!):

• Condoms
• The pill
• The progestin-only pill
• The patch
• The ring
• The birth control shot
• The arm implant
• The copper IUD
• The progestin IUD
• The birth control gel
• The diaphragm 
• The natural cycles method

What are condoms?

Brand Names: There are too many to name, but common ones you may have heard of include Trojan and Durex

How long it lasts: You need to use a new condom every time you have sex

Description: Condoms are one of the most common types of birth control. They come in latex or non-latex, lube or no-lube, flavored or unflavored, and a bunch of other different options. They prevent pregnancy by wrapping around the penis so that sperm does not get into the vagina. It’s important to put a condom on before the penis enters the vagina and wear it the whole time you’re having sex.

Pros:

• It is relatively easy to get your hands on condoms
• You can stock up on them 
• They prevent STIs
• They generally don’t cause side effects

Cons:

• You need to use them every time, the whole time you are having sex
• They are only 87% effective under typical use, which is lower than some other methods, so you may want to also use vaginal gel or spermicide for extra protection.



If you are 12-19 years old in California you can order free condoms from TeenSource here

What is the birth control pill?

Brand Names: There are a zillion brands

How long it lasts: You need to take it every day, at the same time

Description: There are a bunch of different birth control pill options that a person can customize to fit their needs. Most of them have both hormones — estrogen and progestin — in them, so they can cause some side effects, but everybody is different. The super important part about taking the pill is that you need to be sure to take it at the same time every single day. You usually need to get a prescription for it, which you can get from a clinic or online, and pick it up at a pharmacy or ship it to an address. There is also a new birth control pill called Opill that you can buy directly from drugstores with needing any prescription at all. Check it out here: Opill.com

Pros:

• It is relatively easy to get your hands on the pills
• You can stock up on them or get them in the mail once you have a prescription

Cons:

• Not an effective option for people who can’t remember or aren’t able to take it every day at the same time. If you miss any pills, use this tool to figure out what to do https://www.plannedparenthood.org/online-tools/missed-birth-control-pill 
• The hormones in birth control pills may cause side effects in some people. But this doesn’t happen to everyone — many people use the pill with no problems. Some people may experience headaches, nausea, weight gain, or changes to their periods.

What is the progestin-only pill?

Brand Names: There are a zillion brands

How long it lasts: You need to take it every day, at the same time

Description: There are a bunch of different birth control pill options that a person can customize to fit their needs. Progestin-only pills do not contain estrogen, the other hormone often used in contraception. The super important part about taking the pill is that you need to be sure to take it at the same time every single day. You need to get a prescription for it, which you can get from a clinic or online, and pick it up at a pharmacy or ship it to an address. There is also a new birth control pill that is progestin-only called Opill that you can buy directly from drugstores with needing any prescription at all. Check it out here: Opill.com

Pros:

• It is relatively easy to get your hands on the pills
• You can stock up on them or get them in the mail once you have a prescription

Cons:

• Not an effective option for people who can’t remember or aren’t able to take it every day at the same time. If you miss any pills, use this quiz to figure out what to do https://www.plannedparenthood.org/online-tools/missed-birth-control-pill 
• The hormones in birth control pills may cause side effects in some people. But this doesn’t happen to everyone — many people use the pill with no problems. Some people may experience headaches, nausea, weight gain, or changes to their periods.

What is the patch?

Brand Names: Xulane, Twirla 

How long it lasts: You need to put on a new patch each week

Description: The patch is essentially a small, bandaid-like sticker that you put on your belly, butt or back and it releases hormones through your skin to prevent pregnancy. You need to put on a new patch every week for 3 weeks straight, then leave it off for 1 week (when you would get your period). It’s recommended to put the patch in different locations on your skin to prevent skin irritation. Avoid putting it on over makeup, lotion, or sunscreen. You can shower, swim, and go in jacuzzis with it, but just check afterward that it’s still sticking well.

Pros:

• The patch is slightly more ‘set it and forget it’ than the pill, because you only have to think about it once a week (but it’s still once a week!) 
• You can stock up on them and/or get them in the mail once you have a prescription

Cons:

• It can be slightly harder to hide the sticker compared to other birth control methods. It is like trying to hide a quarter-sized tattoo on your butt.
• The most common side effects are spotting or bleeding between periods, sore breasts, nausea, or headaches.
• It may not stick well if you spend a lot of time with it immersed in water.

What is the ring?

Brand Names: NuvaRing and EluRyng

How long it lasts: You wear it for 3 weeks at a time

Description: It's a small, bendy ring that you slide into your vagina to prevent pregnancy. You can’t feel it and it stays hidden, so you won't even notice it's there. It can even stay in when you’re having sex! After 3 weeks, you take it out to let your period happen, and then, after a 1-week break, you put a fresh ring in for another round.

Pros:

• You only have to remember to switch it out after 3 weeks and put a new one in a week later, so you can just set it and forget it for a while.
• You can stock up on them and/or get them in the mail once you have a prescription

Cons:

• You have to remember to take it out after 3 weeks and put a new one in a week later
• The most common side effects are spotting or bleeding between periods, sore breasts, nausea, or headaches.
• You can’t use the vaginal gel with this method for extra protection.

What is the birth control shot?

Brand Names: Depo-Provera

How long it lasts: You get a shot every 3 months (maximum 14 weeks)

Description: Injectables, aka birth control shots, are an injection you get in your arm or butt every 3 months–and boom–you're protected. You head over to your healthcare provider, they jab you real quick (arm or booty, you choose!), and you're good to go for a few months. No need to stress about a daily pill or anything like that. These shots are super effective in preventing pregnancy–but only if you get them on time. Some people who feel comfortable injecting themselves at home can get these prescribed and inject themselves every 3 months (12-14 weeks to be exact).

Pros:

• Only need to do it once every 3 months
• Lots of people like the shot because it makes their periods get lighter. About half of people who use the shot stop getting their periods altogether.

Cons:

• You have to go to a doctor's office or health center every 3 months for your injection. Or you may be able to get a supply of shots at the health center or pharmacy to bring home and give yourself every 3 months.
• Most people on the shot have some change in their periods. Other possible side effects include nausea, weight gain, headaches, sore breasts, or depression.

What is the arm implant?

Brand Names: Nexplanon

How long it lasts: 5 years

Description: The birth control implant is a tiny, thin rod about the size of a matchstick. A doctor or nurse inserts the implant under the skin of your upper arm using a special tool - it is kind of like getting a weird shot. It only takes a few minutes and they give you a shot to numb a small area of your arm first. It releases low doses of the hormone progestin to stop you from getting pregnant.

Pros:

• It lasts for 5 years, but you can take it out anytime if you want. It uses a lower dose of hormones than most other methods (except the IUD) so you are less likely to experience side effects
• Most people on the implant get lighter periods, or their periods stop altogether

Cons:

• You have to go to a doctor or nurse to get it inserted and to have it taken out, which isn’t entirely pain-free
• The most common side effect is spotting. Other possible side effects that aren’t as common include headaches, breast pain, and nausea.

What is the copper IUD?

Brand Names: Paraguard

How long it lasts: 12 years

Description: An IUD (intrauterine device) is a tiny t-shaped object, about the size of a quarter. It is placed into your uterus through your vagina by a doctor or nurse. The procedure takes a few minutes from start to finish. You are awake for this and you might feel pain or cramping during the placement, but it gets better within a minute or so. This type of IUD is made of copper and doesn’t have hormones. Once it is placed, you won’t be able to feel it. Partners may feel some small strings, similar to floss, and rarely is it bothersome to them.

Pros:

• Lasts a loooong time - up to 12 years, and you can take it out whenever you want
• Once it’s in, you can’t feel it and you don’t have to think about it 

Cons:

• You need to go to see a doctor or nurse to get it placed or taken out.
• People usually feel some cramping or pain when they're getting their IUD placed, but luckily it only lasts for a few minutes. You may experience mild cramping and back aches for a few days after, but those should subside.
• Copper IUDs often cause more bleeding and cramps during your period, especially in the first 3-6 months. For some people, this gets better over time, but for others, their periods remain heavy.

What is the progestin IUD?

Brand Names: Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla

How long it lasts: 3-8 years, depending on the brand

Description:  An IUD (intrauterine device) is a tiny t-shaped object, about the size of a quarter. It is placed into your uterus through your vagina by a doctor or nurse. The procedure takes a few minutes from start to finish. You are awake for this and you might feel pain or cramping during the placement, but it gets better within a minute or so. Once it is placed, you won’t be able to feel it. Partners may feel some small strings, similar to floss, and rarely is it bothersome to them. There are 4 brands of IUDs with hormones: Mirena and Liletta work for 8 years; Kyleena for 5 years; and Skyla for 3 years. Each of these hormonal options releases a tiny bit of progestin each day, which is very similar to a hormone called progesterone that our bodies make naturally. These levels of hormones are lower than other birth control methods.

Pros:

• Lasts a loooong time - up to 8 years - and you can take it out whenever you want
• Once it’s in, you can’t feel it and you don’t have to think about it 
• Hormonal IUDs can cut down on cramps and PMS, and they usually make your periods much lighter

Cons:

• You need to go to see a doctor or nurse to get it placed or taken out
• People usually feel some cramping or pain when they're getting their IUD placed, but luckily it only lasts for a few minutes. You may experience mild cramping and back aches for a few days after, but those should subside.

How do hormonal IUDs work?

Each brand of hormonal IUDs releases a tiny bit of progestin each day, which is very similar to the hormone called progesterone that our bodies make naturally. The hormones in the IUD prevent pregnancy by either making the mucous of the cervix thicker, preventing sperm from passing. It can also prevent eggs from leaving the ovaries. These levels of hormones are still lower than other birth control methods, and Skyla has very low levels of hormones. Hormonal IUDs are also helpful for making periods lighter (or taking it away completely), decrease menstrual cramps, and can even help with certain conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis.

What is the process of getting an IUD?

If you’ve decided to use an IUD for your birth control method, here’s what you can expect. 

• Getting the IUD requires a visit to a clinic, so you’ll need to make an appointment. You can find clinics that provide IUDs in your area through our Service Finder. 
• Right before your appointment, take 800 mg of Ibuprofen or 650 mg of acetaminophen. This will help reduce the pain or the procedure and possibility of pain afterwards. It is also a good idea to eat a bit before your appointment.
• The procedure itself can be painful, but it really depends on you and your body. Some providers use a numbing agent or prescribe medication ahead of time. You can ask your provider if they do this. 
• The procedure itself takes only a couple of minutes, but the visit usually takes about an hour.
• You will be awake the whole time, as they don’t use any anesthesia. This also means you can go by yourself if you prefer.

What is the birth control gel?

Brand Names: Phexxi

How long it lasts: You need to use it within 1 hour before sex and then re-apply it before every round of sex

Description: Birth control gel is a substance that you put in your vagina no more than 1 hour before sex. You apply it with a plunger rod that is pre-filled, kind of like a tampon, that releases the gel deeper into your vagina. It isn’t a spermicide and doesn’t contain hormones. It works by lowering the pH in your vagina, which makes it hard for sperm to move and therefore makes pregnancy less likely. 

Pros:

• You only have to use it when you are having sex (it doesn’t stay in your body long after that)
• You don’t have to worry about side effects, unless you have a reaction to the gel
• You can stock up on it and keep it in your bag, so that you always have it on hand

Cons:

• It’s only 86% effective under typical use, which is lower than many other methods, so you may want to also use condoms. It also works with all other forms of birth control, except for birth control rings.
• You need to remember to apply it in the 1-hour window BEFORE you have sex. It doesn’t work if you apply it after sex, so this might not be the best method if you tend to get swept up in the moment.
• You need to apply it each time you have sex, so if you have sex twice in a row (even if it is really close together) you will need to go and apply again.
• Some people can have sensitivity to the gel, which could irritate you or your partner's vagina or penis. It isn’t recommended for people who get a lot of UTIs.

What is the diaphragm?

Brand Names: Caya or Milex

How long it lasts: It’s effective immediately. You can put it in hours before sex or right before, and it can be left in for up to 24 hours.

Description: The diaphragm is a shallow, disk-like silicone cup. In order to use it effectively, you have to spread spermicide on the cup before each round of sex. Once the spermicide is applied, you fold the cup in half and insert it into your vagina, all the way up, until it covers your cervix. Instead of using spermicide, you may also use the vaginal gel. But in that case, the diaphragm must be inserted within an hour before having sex.

Pros:

• It is relatively easy to get your hands on. The diaphragm can be purchased at any pharmacy, but will need to be fitted by a doctor or nurse at a clinic. This is a quick appointment.
• It’s a non-hormonal method, so if the idea of using hormones doesn’t sit well with you, it’s a good alternative.
• There are virtually no side effects. Irritation and urinary tract infections (UTI’s) are possible, but uncommon.

Cons:

• It’s only 83% effective under typical use. If you’re not someone who is detail-oriented and diligent about using it correctly, then this might not be the best option for you. 
• It requires you or a partner to be very body-literate. This means you have to be comfortable putting your fingers inside your vagina and making sure the silicone cup is properly placed on your cervix.

What is ‘Natural Cycles’?

Natural Cycles is the only FDA-cleared birth control app that uses a souped up version of the long-practiced tradition of cycle tracking. Firstly, this option would work for you if you meet ALL of the following criteria: 

1. You have regular cycles that last between 21-35 days
2. This method is only suggested for people over age 18
3. You need to be confident in your ability to track daily.

If this sounds like you, this can be a convenient, non-hormonal way of preventing pregnancy. You sign up for the app and it will give you instructions, including how to pay online or use your insurance. You will need to track your period in the app, as well as use their provided free thermometer or an Apple Watch to take your temperature every day. On days that you are not fertile, you will need to either abstain from sex or use another form of protection (like a condom).

Pros:

• Doesn’t have any side effects
• Doesn’t require a doctor's visit
• All you need is a phone and the thermometer they mail you

Cons:

• You need to be confident in your self-discipline to not have sex on days when you are fertile or to use another method of effective protection 
• You need to be very stringent about tracking your details daily or it won’t work
• Doesn’t work for people who have irregular cycles

Go to Natural Cycles

When should I use a condom?

You should use a condom every time you’re having any kind of sex, be it vaginal, anal, or oral. When we hear “condoms”, we think of the sheath that acts as a barrier over a penis. But there are also female condoms and dental dams that act as a barrier over vaginas. These “barrier methods” are the only way to protect everyone involved against STIs (which can also be spread through oral sex). This is why we still encourage barrier methods even if you are also using another form of birth control. Barrier methods are especially important if you or your partner have other partners or haven’t recently been tested for STIs. Plus, if you are having sex that can lead to pregnancy, it can help prevent that too.

What if my method isn’t working for me?

If you start using a birth control method and you’re not loving it, you can always change it up. You have the right to find what works best for you! Here are some signs to watch out for and that are worth bringing up with your healthcare provider:

• New or worsening headaches that just won't quit
• Major mood swings
• A weight-change rollercoaster
• Severe vaginal bleeding
• If you're experiencing severe or ongoing side effects like crazy abdominal pain, chest pain, or trouble breathing, don't wait—get medical help now.

How do I properly use a condom?

So you’ve been fooling around and are ready to insert a hard penis into the vagina or anus. Step 1 should always be to check the expiration date on the condom package. If it’s expired, discard it. Once you confirm that the condom is still viable, open the package and make sure that it’s facing the right way. You’ll know pretty easily by pinching the tip of the condom in one hand and using the other hand to start pulling on the rind. If it rolls down, it’s facing the right way. You or your partner can put the top of the condom on the head of an erect penis (still pinching the tip) and roll it down the shaft of the penis all the way to the base. Remember that you have to change condoms every time the condom-wearer ejaculates (aka cums).

How do birth control methods impact people on gender journeys?

If you or your partner is a trans person, don't rely on your gender affirming hormones. If you have a body with a uterus and are taking testosterone, remember that testosterone is not a reliable form of birth control, even if your period has stopped. If you have a body that makes sperm and are on estrogen, it is still possible that you can get someone pregnant. So we’ve got the same advice for everyone–if you are having sex that could lead to pregnancy, and pregnancy is not a goal for you, talk to your healthcare provider about pregnancy prevention options. 

If you want to be pregnant or are consensually trying to get someone pregnant, talk to your provider too! You will need to take a hormone break or use fertility services to safely and effectively do so. 

 To learn more about gender, sexuality, or queer identity, click here.

Does ‘natural birth control’ work?

When people talk about “natural birth control,” they’re probably talking about “fertility awareness.” This means that you keep a close eye on a person’s menstrual cycle, and then don’t have sex on the days in the cycle when they can get pregnant. 

But here’s the catch: you can get pregnant from having sex *not only* on the day of ovulation, (when the egg is released from an ovary) but also 5 days after you ovulate. This gets tricky, because for some people, it can be hard to predict when they will ovulate. Ovulation happens 2 weeks before your next period, so this method is much more risky for people who don’t have regular cycles (which most often tend to be young people).

This method can work, especially for people who have the same number of days between cycles and use multiple prediction methods, but it does leave plenty of room for mistakes if you’re not tracking right. You should absolutely combine it with other methods like condoms for extra protection against pregnancy and STIs. Natural Cycles is an app that uses the fertility method, but takes the tracking to the next level.

How can I track my period to find out when I’m fertile?

There are a few different ways that people can check for fertility signs, predict when they’ll ovulate, and then stay away from sex for at least the 5 days before they ovulate (since sperm can stay viable for up to 5 days in the uterus) on those days. 

These include: 

• The temperature method (tracking your internal body temperature, which slightly rises during ovulation)
• The cervical mucus method (tracking the changing texture of your mucus or vaginal discharge)
• The calendar method (tracking the length of your menstrual cycle)

The more ways you’re tracking, the better. But you should probably use another form of birth control as a backup, and since fertility awareness methods are not as reliable.

Does the ‘pull out method’ work?

No, and yes. (Notice we didn’t say yes and no.) Here’s the deal: “Pulling out” usually means that the penis is “pulled out” of the vagina right before the person ejaculates (aka cums), so that theoretically sperm don’t make it to the eggs. (If sperm can’t get to an egg, you can’t get pregnant.) But --  and this is a big but --  this strategy can backfire. 

• There can be sperm in the pre-ejaculatory fluid before a person cums. (It’s less, but it’s still possible for some sperm to make it out before a person cums.)
• People might not pull out in time, and may start ejaculating inside the vagina. 
• There is no barrier at all, so everyone involved is at risk of swapping STIs. 
• So while it’s a good idea to know WHY people might use the pull-out method, it’s really not a reliable way to protect yourself and your partner when you’re going at it.

Do hormonal birth control methods impact long term fertility?

Nope. Using birth control doesn't mess with your ability to have kids down the road. It's like hitting the pause button on baby-making, rather than shutting down the whole system. When a person stops using birth control, their body should bounce back to its normal reproductive groove. Normal levels of fertility should come back almost immediately to a max of 6 months after you stop using birth control.

Does birth control make your period stop?

Some types of birth control have hormones that can stop someone’s period or make it lighter. It's totally cool and safe for a person’s period to stop or get lighter on a hormonal birth control method. Some people choose to use these methods to help with cramps or heavy periods. But remember, everyone's body is different, so you might experience side effects or changes to your cycle.

How do I get birth control? What if I don’t want my parents to know?

If you're under 18 in California and looking for birth control, you've got options! Seriously! There are campus health centers, your regular doctor, online options, and community health clinics. By California law, healthcare providers are not allowed to inform parents or guardians about a minor being on birth control without that minor’s consent. Here’s how to make sure the clinic takes the right actions to keep things private.

What are my rights to access birth control methods?

Here in California, if you're under 18, you can get birth control without telling your parents, because there are laws that protect your right to reproductive health services. It is your right to get the care you need and make personal choices about your sexual health. If you really don’t want your parents to know, there are often workarounds on the billing and insurance side (especially if you are under your parents’ health insurance) that need to be fixed so that they don’t accidentally find out. Check out our Service Finder and sift through the filters to find a local clinic.

What does the term “sex assigned at birth” mean?

Great question. This term is used to differentiate biological sex from gender identity. For example, all people are born into a male or female body at birth (aside from bodies that are intersex). But not everyone necessarily identifies with the gender corresponding to their biological sex at birth (e.g. someone might be assigned female at birth but identify as non-binary rather than female). Within the context of sexual health, we asked about sex assigned at birth because it will help us recommend the right birth control method for you. There are different birth control options for female and male bodies, so it’s important to know someone’s biological sex to give them appropriate options.