Understanding Reproductive Health: Clear Facts for Informed Choices

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Abortion laws and access vary by state and can change over time. For the most accurate and updated information, contact a trusted health provider or visit abortionfinder.org or plannedparenthood.org. If you're in crisis or need support, help is available.

Hello and welcome to the HEAL blog!

Today, we're going to be talking all about reproductive health. We will be covering topics such as birth control, Planned Parenthood, and abortion.

What is Reproductive Health?

Before we get into that, I want to help you understand what reproductive health is. Reproductive health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being in all matters related to the reproductive system and its functions.

For teens, this might mean getting regular STI and STD tests, getting vaccines, learning about birth control, and figuring out your options if you’re dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. I’m making this blog post because you deserve clear information and access to services that can help you stay safe. 

Birth Control

Let's talk about birth control (aka contraceptives). Birth control can help prevent pregnancy and can also help ease health issues like painful periods or acne. There are lots of birth control options, and the best one depends on you and your life. Below, I will break down the main types of birth control, how well they work, their pros and cons, and most importantly, how you can get them.

I do want to preface that if you are planning on using any birth control other than condoms, I do recommend a doctor's visit. Doctors can help you choose birth control for your specific needs and monitor you while your body adjusts. 

Condoms

What are condoms?

Condoms are thin covers that go over a penis or inside a vagina to block sperm.

How well do condoms work?

Condoms are 98% effective if used perfectly and about 85% effective with typical use.

• Pros: Protects against STIs/STDs and pregnancy, no prescription needed, widely available, and no negative side effects.

• Cons: Can break or slip if not used right, and have to be used every time you have sex.

• Good for: Anyone wanting protection from STIs/STDs or an easy birth control that doesn’t need a prescription.

How do you get condoms?

You can get condoms at drugstores/supermarkets, Planned Parenthood, and school health centers. You can also order condoms online on Planned Parenthood's website or Amazon. 

Birth Control Pills

What are birth control pills?

Birth control pills are a daily pill you take to stop ovulation and prevent pregnancy. 

How well do birth control pills work?

Birth control pills are 99% effective if taken daily at the same time and about 91% effective with typical use.

• Pros: Can help with painful periods, can help with acne, and has a high success rate.

• Cons: Have to take daily, no STI/STD protection, needs a prescription/doctor's visit, and can have negative side effects.

• Good for: Teens who can stick to a routine and want more protection from pregnancy than a condom can provide.

How do you get birth control pills?

You can get the birth control pill at Planned Parenthood, at your pediatrician, or at an OBGYN. You can also order birth control pills online on Planned Parenthood's website.

The Patch

What is the patch?

The patch is a small, sticky patch you put on your skin (arm, back, or stomach) that releases hormones to stop ovulation and prevent pregnancy. The patch needs to be changed weekly.

How well does the patch work?

The patch is 99% effective if used perfectly and about 91% effective with typical use. 

• Pros: Only need to remember it once a week, can help with periods, and has a high success rate.  

• Cons: No STI/STD protection, might irritate skin, can have negative side effects, and needs a prescription/doctor's visit.

• Good for: Teens who want something more low-maintenance than the pill and want more protection from pregnancy than a condom can provide.

How do you get the patch?

You can get the patch at Planned Parenthood, your pediatrician, or an OBGYN.  

The Ring

What is the ring?

The ring is a flexible ring you insert into your vagina for three weeks, then remove for one week. It releases hormones to stop ovulation and prevent pregnancy.

How well does the ring work?

The ring is 99% effective with perfect use and about 91% effective with typical use. 

• Pros: Only need to remember it once a month, can help with periods, and has a high success rate.

• Cons: No STI/STD protection, may feel weird to insert at first, can have negative side effects, and needs a prescription/doctor's visit. 

• Good for: Teens who are comfortable with their bodies, want less frequent upkeep than the pill or the patch, and want more protection from pregnancy than a condom can provide.

How do you get the ring?

You can get the ring at Planned Parenthood, your pediatrician, or an OBGYN. 

The IUD

What is the IUD?

The IUD is a tiny T-shaped device a doctor places in your uterus. There are hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs. They last for 3-12 years.

How well do IUDs work?

IUDs are 99% effective.

• Pros: Long-lasting, no daily effort, can improve periods, and has a high success rate.

• Cons: Insertion can hurt, no STI/STD protection, it can cause negative side effects, and it needs a doctor.

• Good for: Teens who don’t mind the IUD insertion process, want less frequent upkeep than the pill, the patch, or the ring, want long-term protection, and want more protection from pregnancy than a condom can provide.

How do you get the IUD?

You can get an IUD at Planned Parenthood, your pediatrician, or an OBGYN. 

The Implant

What is the implant?

The implant is a small rod inserted under the skin in your arm that releases hormones to stop ovulation and prevent pregnancy. It lasts for up to four years.

How well does the implant work?

The implant is over 99% effective.

• Pros: Long-lasting, low-maintenance, can help with periods, and has a high success rate.

• Cons: Insertion/removal needs a doctor, might cause some negative side effects, and no STI/STD protection.

• Good for: Teens who don’t want to deal with the IUD insertion process, want less frequent upkeep than the pill, the patch, or the ring, want long-term protection, and want more protection from pregnancy than a condom can provide.

How do you get the implant?

You can get the implant at Planned Parenthood, your pediatrician, or an OBGYN. 

The Shot (Depo-Provera)

What is the shot?

The shot is an injection you get every 3 months to prevent ovulation and pregnancy. 

How well does the shot work?

The shot is 99% effective with perfect use and about 94% effective with typical use.

• Pros: Only 4 shots a year, can improve periods, and has a high success rate.

• Cons: No STI/STD protection, requires clinic visits, may cause negative side effects for some people.

• Good for: Teens who don’t want the implant or IUD, want less frequent upkeep than the pill, the patch, or the ring, want long-term protection, and want more protection from pregnancy than a condom can provide.

How do you get the shot? 

You can get the shot at Planned Parenthood, your pediatrician, or an OBGYN. 

Emergency Contraception

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception is a pill that is taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. They must be taken within 3-5 days.

How well does emergency contraception work?

Emergency contraception is up to 89% effective if taken soon after sex.

• Pros: Great for emergencies and often available without a prescription.

• Cons: Not for regular use, no STI/STD protection, and can cause some negative side effects for some people.

• Good for: Backup when something goes wrong.

How do you get emergency contraception?

You can get emergency contraception at CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart. You can also order emergency contraception online on Planned Parenthood's website.

Why should you use birth control?

Besides preventing unwanted pregnancy, birth control can help with heavy periods, cramps, acne, or conditions like PCOS, PMDD, or endometriosis. 

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood is a nonprofit organization that’s been helping people manage their reproductive health for over 100 years. They run 600+ health centers in the U.S.A.

Here are some services they offer:

• Birth control (all types and often free or low cost)

• Pregnancy tests and counseling

• Abortion services (where legal)

• Sex education

• HPV vaccines and cancer screenings

• Gender affirming care (like hormone therapy for transgender teens)

Planned Parenthood has many private services. In many states, you don’t need parental consent for birth control and STI/STD testing. Planned Parenthood also has very low costs or free services if you’re low-income. Planned Parenthood is also very accessible; you can visit in person, use telehealth, or get birth control mailed to you (by using the Planned Parenthood Direct app).

🧭 Tip: If you go to Planned Parenthood's website (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/), you can talk with your chatbot, Roo, who can answer questions 24/7, and their website is also full of important information!

Abortion

Abortion is when a pregnancy is ended, either with a procedure or with medication. It’s legal in many states, but since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, access varies by state. Some states ban or restrict abortion. Many states also require parental notification or consent for minors seeking an abortion.

Abortions can cost 500-2,000 dollars, not including the money you would need to spend to travel if abortion is banned in your state. Abortion is a personal choice, and it's okay to have mixed feelings. Planned Parenthood offers counseling to explore options (parenting, adoption, or abortion) without pressure. You can also go to pregnancy resource centers in your area if you decide to continue with your pregnancy. 

How to Find Good Information

Visit Planned Parenthood in person or through telehealth. You can also read through the information on their website. Check out AbortionFinder.org for state-specific abortion laws and financial aid. Use Title X clinics, which provide low-cost or free birth control and STI testing. Talk to a trusted adult (if you can) about the decisions you make. Avoid misinformation and make sure to get your information from proper websites.

Reproductive health is about having the information and access to make choices that work for you. Remember to also ask questions and know your rights - you deserve to be in charge of your life and future.

Written and researched by Brycen W

2025 The HEAL Project