Find out what you’re looking for.
There are three basic types of classification of birth control: hormonal or non-hormonal, short-term or long-term, and prescription or over-the-counter. Knowing which factors to consider will help you make a choice that feels right for you.

  • Hormonal birth control describes anything that contains the hormones progestin and/or estrogen, and that could alter your menstrual cycle, skin, weight, breast size, and mood. Some examples of hormonal birth controls are the implant, ring, shot, patch, and the pill. Non-hormonal birth control describes—you guessed it—methods that don’t have any hormones! This includes the copper IUD (a long-term method) and short-term methods, like condoms, spermicide, the sponge, the diaphragm, and the cervical cap.
  • Short-term methods are used immediately before penis-in-vagina sex, and have to be used every time you have sex. Condoms, spermicide, the sponge, the cap, and the diaphragm, when removed, are no longer effective birth control. Similarly, the pill, the patch, and the ring all cease to be effective when they’re removed, when they expire, or when they are no longer taken. Long-term methods usually require one medical procedure, are effective for longer periods of time, and will require a doctor’s assistance (or guidance, in the case of the shot) for stopping use. The IUD, the implant, and the shot are all long-term.
  • If you are in a rush for pregnancy prevention, there are over-the-counter (or on-the-shelf) birth control options available. Condoms, spermicide, and the sponge should all be accessible at your local drugstore- and you do not need to be 18 to buy any of them! Every hormonal birth control requires a prescription from your doctor/nurse or a doctor/nurse from your nearest Planned Parenthood or health clinic. Similarly, the diaphragm and the cervical cap will require a visit to a doctor/nurse to get fitted for a size. The shot, IUD, and implant will require an appointment/procedure. But it is possible to obtain hormonal birth control without your parents knowing. Clinics for teens will almost always have strict policies to ensure your anonymity, and you can find one in your area here.

There are, of course, benefits to each type. If you’re easily affected by hormones, then a non-hormonal option may be best for you. (Learning this may require some trial-and-error and discussion with a doctor or nurse.) If you don’t know how long you’ll be sexually active, you may want to research short-term methods. If you aren’t interested in a procedure, over-the-counter birth control may be your best bet. This can all seem overwhelming, but exercising choice and having the agency to do the research is an empowering part of being sexually active.

Learn what’s within your budget.
If you (or your parents!) have private health insurance, you should be able to get any FDA-approved birth control for little to no cost. If you do not have health insurance, most Teen Clinics or Planned Parenthood health centers offer a variety of free or low-cost birth control methods. (They’re also crucial resources if your family has health insurance, but your parents are unsupportive of your being sexually active.) Similarly, your school nurse may have free condoms available!

If you are unsure about which birth control methods are within your budget, make an appointment with a medical professional to talk about your specific situation. For example, birth control pills may seem cheaper when compared to a long-term method like the implant or IUD, but paying up front for five-plus years of 99 percent effectiveness may be better for you and your wallet.

If you want some info right now, though, take this short quiz by Bedsider that can provide you with some helpful options!

Sit down with a medical professional or trusted adult.
I know it seems like the scariest thing in the world to tell an adult that you’re going to do the thing, but it’s one of the best ways to give yourself peace of mind. Before I even began my research, I made an appointment with a nurse practitioner at my local Teen Clinic. She was able to recommend several methods and walk me through their benefits and costs. Part of what made my experience at the Teen Clinic so comforting was the fact that I was able to go without a parent present. At the time that I became sexually active, I didn’t feel like my mom would have been supportive or interested in taking me to see a doctor. However, if you are comfortable talking to your parent(s) or guardian(s) about wanting birth control, talk to them! Sit them down and explain that you are ready to take this next step (à la Lizzie McGuire wanting a bra, “I want an OBGYN!!”), and would like to see a gynecologist or doctor. There are so many trusted adults ready to lend an ear and give you support.

Pay attention to your body and mind.
OK, let’s say you’re about to start a new method of birth control. I can’t stress enough how important it is to check in with your body, mind, and SOUL every month. Everyone’s different, and what works for your friends or your doctor’s other patients may not necessarily be the best fit for you. It’s important to be informed and attentive. Write down how you’re feeling emotionally and physically once a month—sometimes we don’t realize we’re feeling differently than usual without making a point to ask ourselves.

Although pregnancies make up at least half of the plot lines in Degrassi (OK, maybe an exaggeration, but seriously, why was there a pregnancy in EVERY season?), having a body that can get pregnant + being sexually active = a lot of potential stress and anxiety. But it doesn’t have to be that way! I feel powerful when I think about all the time I spent educating myself on different methods. And I feel supported when I think about the conversations I’ve had with my friends who have gone through similar things, or doctors who could demystify the whole experience! Starting birth control can seem scary, but it’s totally manageable. So go out there! Do your research! Ask questions! Pay attention to your feelings! And above all, be proud of yourself! You’re doing great. ♦

Thank you to Planned Parenthood, and Caren Spruch and Wendy Lu of Planned Parenthood Federation of America for collaborating on this article.