Birth Control & Pregnancy Prevention

Pregnancy prevention

An estimated 85% of people who have vaginal sex without using contraception will get pregnant within 1 year. Since 1981, ETR has served educators with comprehensive information and advice on all forms of birth control, with materials that give readers support for talking about, choosing and using various methods. Our evidence-based curricula are some of the most rigorously tested in the country, proven to increase self-efficacy and reduce sexual risk behaviors.

Birth control is an essential part of reproductive health

Reproductive health is a complex subject. Two essential goals are preventing unwanted pregnancy and preventing STD (sexually transmitted disease). Having overall good physical health, avoiding violence, and protecting themselves from emotional harm and abuse are other important aspects of reproductive health for young people.

To prevent unwanted pregnancy, young people need accurate information and knowledge of birth control methods. Young people can learn about birth control methods and commit to using birth control if they are sexually active. Having positive attitudes toward sexual health, and the skills to avoid or prevent risks, will help them follow through on healthy choices.

Birth control options

There are many safe and effective birth control methods available. There’s no one method that’s right for everyone. Methods such as condoms and diaphragms require planning and being prepared every time you have sex. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCS) are methods such as IUDs and implants that work with very little effort after the first visit to a health care provider to have the method inserted.

Many people try more than one method before they find the contraception that works for them and that fits their lifestyle. ETR’s materials emphasize that the right birth control method is the one that will be used correctly and consistently and that works for the individual.

Teen pregnancy prevention

Communication skills help young people protect themselves and make clear choices about healthy sexuality. A teen who can talk with peers can help set healthy norms around abstinence or condom use. A teen who can talk with parents can get guidance and answers. A teen who can talk with a partner about these topics can work out limits.

Birth control education

Birth control education wouldn’t be complete without providing information about emergency contraception, or the “morning after pill.” Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy before it starts, but it must be used within 5 days after unprotected sex. In the real world, unprotected sex might include times when people had sex without using birth control, times when the birth control method wasn’t used correctly, or times when sex was coerced and non-consensual.

Several kinds of emergency birth control are available in stores and online without a prescription. ETR’s materials discuss the different kinds of emergency contraception, explaining how to choose and use them.