How to have sex

Step 4 Birth control and protection!

Considering sex education is rarely properly taught any more, I'm going to assume many of you aren't fully aware of your birth control options. And you are planning to use birth control, aren't you?

For guys, you are mostly limited to condoms or spermicide, unless you're planning on getting a permanent snip. ;)

For girls, there are many, many possibilities. These are just a few:

The Pill:

• must be taken for three weeks out of a month in most cases - some newer birth control pills offer less periods and therefore more active pills.
• this is a very effective method if taken around the same time everyday, with no skipped pills.
• this is one of the cheapest methods of birth control for women.
• for more information: Planned Parenthood's page for the pill.

The Patch:

• a newer birth control method - you wear a small square patch on your body for three weeks out of the month. You change it every week.
• you'll wear it on your upper arm or back, lower stomach or buttocks.
• this is a better option for you if you're forgetful - but be aware that your skin may react badly if you're allergic to adhesives! (It left me with huge red welts!)
• this is slightly more expensive than the pill, especially if you don't have insurance.
• for more information: Planned Parenthood's page for the patch.

The Shot:

• this is quite expensive, but very effective and quick.
• you'll get this every three months.
• for more information: Planned Parenthood's page for the shot.

The Ring:

• this is also a newer form of birth control.
• this is a small, flexible ring that you insert into the vagina. You leave it in for three weeks and remove it during the fourth week.
• for more information: Planned Parenthood's page for the ring.

Keep in mind that these are not all of the birth control methods you have available - just the ones that I've picked based on convenience and availability.

You can find more information on Planned Parenthood's website, along with tons of advice.

I also highly recommend using a mixture of birth controls - for example, a condom and the pill. This will both protect you from disease and provide a backup in case of condom breakage!