Menstrual cycle sounds like something out of a biology book? Not anymore.
What is a Menstrual Cycle?
Menstrual cycle sounds like something out of a biology book? Not anymore.
You can buy a pregnancy test at the drugstore. Follow the instructions on the insert. Pee on the strip or dip the strip in urine (in a cup) and look for the colored lines, symbols, or word that will tell you if you are pregnant. Remember, if you have unprotected sex today, you won’t be able find out if you are pregnant for a few weeks.
Get on some super effective birth control like an IUD or implant, and you can stop worrying about pregnancy until you are ready.
Blood tests are conducted at a clinic and can tell you if you are pregnant and how far along you are. Remember, if you have unprotected sex today, you won’t be able to find out if you are pregnant for a few weeks. Get on some super effective birth control like an IUD or implant, and you can stop worrying about pregnancy until you are ready. 
There are many types of pills to choose from. The pills have hormones that stop ovulation. Taken every day at the same time, they are very effective at preventing a pregnancy. If you miss a day, take the pill as soon as possible, plus the pill for that day. But if you miss more than two, start a new pack. Always use a backup method, like the condom, if you forget to take a pill.
Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.
Did You Know?
There are many types of pills to choose from. The pills have hormones that stop ovulation. Taken every day at the same time, they are very effective at preventing a pregnancy. If you miss a day, take the pill as soon as possible, plus the pill for that day. But if you miss more than two, start a new pack. Always use a backup method, like the condom, if you forget to take a pill.
Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.
The shot is simple—given once every 3 months, it is highly effective in preventing pregnancy. It contains hormones that stop ovulation and stop sperm from moving toward an egg.
Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.
Did You Know?
One simple shot carries a big punch. The shot takes just a few minutes for 3 whole months of protection. It’s that easy!
If you don’t have easy access to a clinic, consider another method that lasts longer.
This is a small, flexible ring you insert by yourself into your vagina. Use one for 3 weeks, take it out, and be ring-free for 1 week. The ring works by giving off hormones to stop ovulation.
Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.
Did You Know?
The ring works just like the pill, but you don’t have to remember to use it every day.
If the ring falls out, just wash it under cool water and put it back in. But make sure to do so within 3 hours! If it’s out for more than 3 hours, insert it but use a backup method like a condom for the rest of the month.
Afraid of forgetting to put a new ring in? We can help. Select Don’t Forget below.
The patch is a small, beige square you stick on your skin each week. It releases a hormone that stops ovulation. You can stick the patch a lot of places on your body for privacy—upper arm, butt, stomach—just not your breasts!
Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.
Did You Know?
If the patch peels off, put a new one on. Always ask for a replacement patch prescription, and have an extra one on hand.
If the patch falls off for more than one day, put a new one on and use a backup birth control method.
If you think you might forget to put a new patch on, we can help. Select Don’t Forget below.
This T-shaped device is inserted in your uterus by a doctor or nurse. It stops sperm that is moving toward an egg dead in its tracks! Some IUDs have hormones to stop you from ovulating. It’s got you covered for 3–10 years depending on the type of IUD.
Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.
Did You Know?
IUDs are one of the most effective forms of birth control. Get one, and forget about it! Can’t see it, can’t help but love it!
An internal condom is similar to the external one, except you wear it inside your vagina. It’s a good way to protect yourself against a pregnancy and STIs if your partner doesn’t like condoms. If you use it perfectly it’s very effective. But a lot of people don’t use it right, that’s why it is not as effective as the male condom. Don’t forget to use a water-based lubricant for best results.
Did You Know?
Internal condoms are latex free, so they’re a good option if you or your partner are sensitive to latex.
Don’t use an internal and external condom at the same time. Double condom means double trouble.
Also known as the “pull-out method”. The person must pull the penis out of the vagina before ejaculating which can be difficult to get right. Even if timed perfectly, it doesn’t protect from STIs.
Did You Know?
If your partner doesn’t pull out in time, he can ejaculate inside your vagina and get you pregnant.
Emergency contraception is not a regular form of birth control, but it can be useful after unprotected sex or if something goes wrong with your birth control. There are a few options, such as a pill(s) and the IUD, which is the most effective.
The effectiveness of the EC depends on the brand, when you take it and your weight. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is.
Talk to a clinician if you are unsure which method is best for you.
Did You Know?
Be ready before you need it. Talk to your clinician about the EC that is best for you. Have it handy in case you are in an emergency situation.
When used correctly and consistently, external condoms are very effective in preventing some STIs and HIV/AIDS. Use it in combination with an effective birth control for best results.
If you are allergic to latex condoms, use polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms.
Listen to how people convince their partners to put a condom on here.
Did You Know?
Condoms can be extremely effective when used as intended. Here’s how: store them in a cool place, use them before they expire, and use some lube. Don’t reuse! Use a new one every time you have sex.
Condoms expire just like food. So respect the date!
You only need one condom. Using two condoms at the same time can cause the condoms to break.
Use water-based lubrication only, like K-Y Jelly. Lotions, Vaseline, and oils can weaken the condoms and make them less effective.
The implant is as small as a matchstick, and it’s placed under the skin of your arm. It releases hormones to stop ovulation. You are covered for 3 years!
Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.
Did You Know?
The implant is so small, no one will even know you’re on it! It’s great if you’re looking for a safe and private way to protect against pregnancy.
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