Medically reviewed by Sophia Yen, MD, MPH – Written by Pandia Wellness Editorial Squad. Updated on February xvi, 2021

Birth control pill packet in denim jean pants pocket

A cursory history:

When the nativity control pill became widely available to U.S. women in the 1970s, information technology revolutionized their lives. For the first fourth dimension in history, the average adult female had the liberty and ability to pursue higher education, earn more money, and decide when she would get pregnant and how often. In add-on to those benefits, the pill as well created healthier pregnancy outcomes for both women and the children they chose to accept. Reproductive choice has been shown to ameliorate economical outcomes for children and adults akin.

While the birth control pill is highly constructive at protecting women confronting unintended pregnancies, it can also ameliorate the symptoms of numerous health weather condition (acne, headaches, mood swings, etc.) Not to mention, taking birth control reduces the hurting and inconvenience of heavy periods and hormone fluctuations.

On the surface, it might seem like women should start the pill or other forms of hormonal birth control once they get sexually active, but that's not necessarily the example. The following article volition explore when it's safe to start taking nativity control and how young women tin benefit from taking oral contraceptives in item.

Why do women take nascence control?

Many women offset using oral contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancy. Currently, there are 61 million U.Southward. women of reproductive age, pregnant they are between the ages of xv and 44. 70% of those women are at risk of unintended pregnancy, pregnant that they are sexually active, only do not want to go significant. The women who are at the highest risk of unintended pregnancy are betwixt the ages of fifteen and xix.

Arguably, it is women in this age group who would experience the nearly disruption to their lives if they were to get pregnant unintentionally. Contempo studies indicate that 42% of teens between the ages of 15 and 19 have had sexual intercourse. 99% of those sexually active teens employ some form of birth command. The most common forms are:

Male person Condoms

A male safety is a "thin sheath placed over the erect penis." In add-on to birth control, condoms should be used because they are the only form of birth control that will protect confronting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

Withdrawal

Known as the "pull out" method, withdrawal contraception is when the penis is withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent pregnancy. While this may seem like an easy solution, it is less effective than other methods.

The Pill

Birth control pills are a common method of contraception and help to forestall pregnancy. Using this method, those with uteri accept a pill once per twenty-four hours (brand sure to take it with h2o!). When the pill is taken as prescribed, it is highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Estrogen and progesterone, the hormones in the combination pill, may also lead to positive wellness outcomes such as improved bone density and increased levels of good cholesterol. Those who accept the pill likewise take the pick to make their #PeriodsOptional by skipping the carbohydrate pills at the cease of each pack.

Many adults may be uncomfortable with teenage sexual activity, but when around half of all teens are sexually agile, it's of import that they have access to safe and constructive birth control.

Male condoms accept an effectiveness charge per unit of 82%, and the withdrawal method has an effective rate of 78%. The pill, in contrast, has an effectiveness rate of 91%. Out of these three birth control methods that teens are most likely to use, the pill is the only 1 that teenage girls accept direct command over.

What is the youngest that a woman can get-go nativity control?

Boilerplate age to start birth control

Age 16 is the most common age for teenagers to outset taking the pill. At this age, most young women have established a menstrual cycle. Some teenagers are prepare to first the pill at a younger historic period, just it's crucial to discuss this with a doc starting time.

Women who are between the ages of 15-19 are more at risk of unintended pregnancy, which is likewise why sixteen is a common historic period to start nascence control.

What factors should you consider earlier starting birth control?

It's also important to consider the psychological maturity of the individual because the pill does require that the user sticks to a schedule or regimen when taking it. ot taking the pill correctly ways the user loses most of its benefits. While missing one pill may not have a large effect, equally taking the missed pill with your next pill on the following day is a safe method, it is a all-time practice to develop a routine to avert unnecessary stress. On the other hand, the progesterone-only pill (a.chiliad.a mini pill) must exist taken at the same time every 24-hour interval in order to protect against pregnancy.

Best nascence control for teens

IUD or Implant

As the old proverb goes, "gear up it and forget it." Teens have decorated, cluttered lives so it may be difficult for them to remember to take their birth command every day and at the same fourth dimension. With an IUD, you do not demand to worry about your nascence control for 3-x years (it depends on the make you choose). Similarly, the implant only needs to exist replaced every iii years

Condoms

Condoms are peculiarly important in preventing unplanned pregnancy and the transmission of STIs. Teenagers who are sexually agile should use condoms to ensure skilful sexual health. Unlike an IUD, implant, or pill, however, this method of contraception does not provide wellness benefits such as helping with PCOS and making your #PeriodsOptional.

The Pill

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills are a great choice to treat acne and painful, heavy periods. For maximum effectiveness, the pill should be taken daily at the same fourth dimension. With 40 varieties of the birth control pill, if one does not work for you lot there are plenty others to choose from, making the pill a not bad option for many women.

What are some of the side effects of the nascence control pill in teens?

The side effects of birth command pills are the same for teenagers as they are for adults with uteri. The chief difference is that teenagers may be more than affected by acne. For this reason, iIf a teenager is prone to acne, they should steer clear of progestin-only pills (POPs). That said, nascency command is actually used to help care for acne and can be a great tool to clear up skin. Individuals who have the pill may also notice swollen or tender breasts. If this is something that becomes disruptive, switching to a dissimilar form of nascence control with the assist of a doctor is always an selection.

How presently do nascency control side furnishings start?

After starting nascence command, individuals may experience side furnishings such every bit headaches, nausea, sore breasts, and/or spotting (haemorrhage between periods). Information technology typically takes two-three months for these side effects to go away and for your period to go more regulated.  If after a few months you still are experiencing side effects, speak with your doc about whether you should switch nascency control methods. Thankfully, in that location are 40+ dissimilar types of the pill alone, so if one method does not work for you lot, you lot may need to effort other options to notice your perfect fit.

What does nativity control help with?

7% of birth control pill users take the pill strictly for medical reasons, and not to prevent pregnancy. A woman does not have to be sexually active to benefit from the pill. She may be prescribed nascence control to help with one or more than of the following health conditions:

Heavy, irregular periods

Teenagers are more likely to suffer from heavy, irregular periods compared to older women. Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms can cause acne, cramping, and bloating that can make it difficult to go to school or fifty-fifty consummate daily activities. This can be painful, and emotionally distressing for young girls. In addition, heavy bleeding can cause iron deficiency anemia. Teens are at a higher risk of developing this disorder because their bodies use up atomic number 26 stores more than quickly than adults. Furthermore, the pill may be beneficial, as it helps regulate hormone levels and decrease bleeding during periods.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that tin can cause heavy and irregular periods, excess pilus growth, weight gain, and insulin resistance. Symptoms typically start in the teen years and can be incredibly difficult to navigate. Individuals with PCOS may be prescribed birth command to assistance alleviate symptoms.

Acne

Hormonal swings related to the menstrual cycle tin can make adolescent acne worse. This can be painful, go out permanent scars, and cause emotional distress. Teenage girls who regularly experience acne are oft prescribed hormonal nascency command to amend the condition of their skin.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a status that causes the cells of the uterine lining or endometrium, to begin growing outside of the uterus. These cells attach to the exterior of the uterus, and develop on the kidneys, bladder, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or intestines. If left untreated, endometriosis can crusade excruciating hurting, anemia, and potentially infertility or ovarian cancer equally a event of internal scarring. Nascency control pills can be used to suppress the growth of endometrial cells and thus, protect women'southward fertility and overall wellness.

What's the takeaway?

While birth control pills are the virtually commonly prescribed hormonal contraceptive for teens, forgetfulness may be a business organization. If parents or guardians are worried that the pill is not the best method for their teenager they can consider the patch, ring, shot, implant, or IUD. Regardless, it is important to annotation that birth control is benign for both preventing unplanned pregnancy and improving quality of life.

How tin can Pandia Health assist?

It'southward now easier than ever before to access safe and effective hormonal contraceptives. Pandia Health is leading the way with convenient birth control delivery services for women who wish to start the pill, patch, or nascence command band. If you lot live in AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MI, NV, TX, TN, PA, WA, or WY yous can sign upwards for an online consultation with one of our expert doctors. You can besides transfer current a birth control prescription to our pharmacy for FREE delivery right to your mailbox.

#SkipTheTrip to the pharmacy and gain a #PandiaPeaceOfMind in knowing that you will never run out of nascency command on our lookout.

Often Asked Questions

How former do you lot accept to exist to get birth control in the US?

In that location is no age brake for birth control. If you can become pregnant or get someone pregnant, then you lot should have access to birth control. There are sure states that may require parental notification or consent though most are exempt from that state law if yous go to a championship 10 Family Planning clinic (funded past the US government).

When should you outset nativity control?

The about common age to start taking nascence control is xvi, but some teenagers may take it even earlier. If you can get pregnant or get someone pregnant, then yous should have access to nascence control. Whenever you lot decide you lot may want to showtime taking birth control, consult a doctor, as they can help you make up one's mind which method is best for you lot.

Should I take nativity control?

If y'all are someone who is heterosexually sexually active and wants to prevent unintended pregnancy, birth control is a cracking option. Birth control besides helps regulate irregular periods and manage PMS symptoms such as cramps, headaches, and acne.

What does birth control assist with?

Birth control is a great style to preclude unintended pregnancy, make your #PeriodsOptional, and meliorate your overall quality of life every bit a adult female of reproductive age. More specifically, information technology can help relieve symptoms of several health conditions including PCOS, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and endometriosis.

Is birth command worth information technology?

Aye, birth control is worth it in making your life easier in terms of helping you lot preclude unintended pregnancy and other health bug. Talk with your doctor to learn which nativity control method is best for you. The birth control pill is mostly $15/pack without insurance. Nether the Affordable Care Act whatsoever FDA approved birth control for those with uteri is available to those with insurance for "free" = no copay, no deductible.

Should I put my daughter on "birth control" when she is non sexually active?

If your daughter is experiencing heavy or painful periods or astringent PMS and/or is looking to brand her life easier by making her #PeriodsOptional, then birth control is a bang-up option. Bank check out our CEO and co-founder Dr. Sophia Yen'due south TEDxBerkeley talk on the science and safety of #FewerPeriods Dr. Yen waiting two years after your FIRST period to start hormonal treatment. If yous start birth control before this fourth dimension, and so you may gamble losing some of your last years of growth young women typically abound an extra one-2 inch after their first period.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article intend to inform and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and exercise not necessarily represent the views of Pandia Health. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.