We respect your privacy. Please consent to all cookies when you visit our website. Refer to our "Privacy Policy" for more information on how we handle personal data.

A Comprehensive Contraception Guide for Teens

23
2023-11


If you're a sexually active teenager (even if not regularly) or are just considering having sex, it's essential to make informed decisions about preventing unplanned pregnancy now.


Methods used to prevent pregnancy are referred to as ‘contraception’, ‘birth control’ or ‘family planning’. Understanding birth control options is crucial for your health and well-being.


Key Considerations


Before we get into the different methods, consider:

  1. Is it the right time? Are you having sex (or considering having sex) because you want to? Or do you feel that you should to keep up with your peers, your partner, or to make other people happy. If you are not sure or have concerns about being sexually active, please discuss with a trusted adult or school counsellor.
  2. Always practice enthusiastic consent with your partner. Even if you agree to sex, or agreed to it in the past, you have the right to change your mind and stop at any moment. Agreeing to making out or other types of sexual activity (masturbation or oral sex) does not give automatic consent to penetrative sex.
  3. Always take steps to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). If your partner has had sex with anyone else (oral, anal or vaginal) they may have an STI without you being able to see it. Some STIs are curable, others are life-long diseases. You can help to minimise risk of acquiring an STI by using condoms.
  4. Pelvic Exams: Some forms of contraception, like an intrauterine device (IUD), may require a pelvic exam where a doctor (usually a gynecologist) looks at the vaginal and vulva area. If you're uncomfortable with pelvic exams, consider a birth control method that doesn't require one. However, it's generally recommended to have pelvic exams and STI testing once sexually active.
  5. Many teenagers use other birth control for reasons beyond pregnancy prevention. For example, birth control pills can help with acne, heavy periods, and menstrual cramps. It's not limited to contraception, but you should discuss these uses with your doctor, even if you are in a region where birth control pills are available over the counter (e.g. China).


Birth Control Basics


01
Condoms

 - What are they? Thin latex or non-latex barriers that go over the penis to block the sperm from entering the vagina. There are also condoms that can be inserted into the vagina or rectum instead, but it is a different kind of condom (specifically a female/internal condom, and can be bought online).

 - Why they're useful: Condoms are the only method that protect against both pregnancy and most STIs; they’re easy to find, no prescription needed.

 - Down sides: you need to carry it with you in advance, dispose of it (in the bin not the toilet!) when you are finished.


02
Birth Control Pills

 - What are they? A hormone pill you take every day to prevent pregnancy.

 - Why they're useful: They are quite effective when taken consistently (see below chart).
 - Down sides: Although you may be able to buy birth control pills over the counter, it is better than the best pill for you is selected by a doctor who can also monitor you for any side effects. Is cheaper than IUD or Implants, however must be bought again each month. Does not prevent against STI, so you should use condoms as well.


03
IUD (Intrauterine Device)

 - What is it? A small device placed inside the uterus that prevents pregnancy by changing the environment and possibly also emitting hormone.

 - Why it's useful: Provides long-term protection, most for at least 3-5 years, but you can remove it at any time in future. It is referred to as a “set and forget” method as you do not need to do anything with it after it is inserted. Your sexual partner will likely not be able to feel it.

 - Down sides: Requires a healthcare provider for insertion, and may require parental consent. In some regions you cannot get it under 14 years old. Some people find the placement to be painful. This method can be expensive as a one-time outlay of cost. Does not prevent against STI, so you should use condoms as well.


04
Implants

 - What are they? A tiny plastic rod placed under the skin of the inner upper arm, releasing hormones.

 - Why they're useful: Another ‘set and forget’ method of long-lasting contraception for up to 3 years.
 - Down sides: Must be inserted by a healthcare provider, and also may require parental consent. In some regions you cannot get it under 14 years old. This method can also be expensive as a one-time outlay of cost. Does not prevent against STI, so you should use condoms as well.


05
Emergency Contraception

 - What is it? A "morning-after" pill or “Plan B” of hormones taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex (the sooner the better).

 - Why it's useful: Can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, if sex was unplanned, if a condom was forgotten or broken. Available over-the-counter (緊急避孕藥) or from a healthcare provider.
 - Down sides: This method does not work if ovulation has already occurred (see our article on the morning after pill here Plan B: The low down on the Emergency Contraceptive Pill). Should not be relied upon as a primary method of contraception. Does not prevent against STI, so you should see a doctor regarding STI risk.


06
Fertility Awareness Methods

- What are they? Tracking your menstrual cycle and physical signs to avoid fertile days.

 - Why it's useful: Natural and hormone-free, but requires careful tracking.
 - Down sides: Has varying rate of effectiveness depending on the method and thorough understanding. Does not prevent against STI, so you should use condoms as well.


07
NuvaRing

- What is it? A flexible ring inserted into the vagina and changed monthly. It is kept inside during sex.

- Why it's useful: Simple to use and highly effective.
- Down sides: Can be difficult to get in China, and more expensive than the oral birth control pill in most places. Does not prevent against STI, so you should use condoms as well.


08
Diaphragm or Cervical Cap

- What are they? Dome-shaped Barrier methods placed inside the vagina before sex.

 - Why they're useful: Non-hormonal barrier options.
 - Down sides: Require fitting by a healthcare provider, yet needs to be purchased online by oneself. Should be kept in for several hours after sex (but removed and cleaned before the next time you have sex). Although a barrier method, they do not prevent against STI, so you should use condoms as well.

Now for the things that DON'T WORK to prevent pregnancy

 - Inserting only some of the penis, or pulling the penis out before ejaculation

 - Sex in certain positions (e.g. standing up)

 - Sex in the shower or in water (like a bath or pool)

 - Wrapping the penis with plastic wrap or plastic bags

 - Using a period cup/cap/sponge during sex

 - Sex while on your period (reduced chance of pregnancy but still possible)

 - Douching (washing the vagina out with anything) after sex – in fact see this article Coming clean: the truth about vaginal hygiene as to why you shouldn’t douche at all

 - Sex while drunk or drinking heavily after sex

 - Having a hot bath after sex

 - Jumping up and down after sex

Seeking Help


If you're unsure where to obtain contraception, remember that condoms are readily available in supermarkets and convenience stores. For other methods like pills, you can find them over the counter in pharmacies but its best to consult a healthcare professional to match the right type for you. Discussing your options a parent or trusted adult can help you to make the right choice too.
Interested in how the different methods measure up in effectiveness? Read our handy comparison chart below:

Scan to make an online appointment

Scan to follow our customer service on WeChat. Our office hours are9:00-17:00daily
  • qiyeweixinjietu16919774455247.png
    American-Sino Women’s and Children’s Hospital - Xiao Mei

    Address: No. 155, Songyuan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

  • dingxiang.png
    American-Sino Dingxiang Outpatient Clinic - Xiao Xiang

    Address: Floors 2-3, Annex Building 6, Clove Apartment, Lane 800, Huashan Road, Changning District, Shanghai

  • xiaojing.png
    American-Sino Lejing Outpatient Clinic - Xiao Jing

    Address: No. 321, Weihai Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai

  • xiaowo.png
    WorldPath Clinic International - Xiao Wo

    Address: No. 399, Nanquan North Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai (near Century Avenue)