| Hormonal contraceptives (oral contraceptives, injectables, combined patch, combined vaginal ring, and implants) |
- Injectables and the combined ring can be used without others knowing.
- Some young women find regular pill-taking particularly difficult.
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| Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) |
- Young women may have less control than older women over having sex and using contraception. They may need ECPs more often.
- Provide young women with ECPs in advance, for use when needed. ECPs can be used whenever she has any unprotected sex, including sex against her will, or a contraceptive mistake has occurred.
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| Female sterilization and vasectomy |
- Provide with great caution. Young people and people with few or no children are among those most likely to regret sterilization.
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| Male and female condoms |
- Protect against both STIs and pregnancy, which many young people need.
- Readily available, and they are affordable and convenient for occasional sex.
- Young men may be less successful than older men at using condoms correctly. They may need practice putting condoms on.
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| Intrauterine device (copper-bearing and hormonal IUDs) |
- IUDs are more likely to come out among women who have not given birth because their uteruses are small.
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| Diaphragms, spermicides, and cervical caps |
- Although among the least effective methods, young women can control use of these methods, and they can be used as needed.
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| Fertility awareness methods |
- Until a young woman has regular menstrual cycles, fertility awareness methods should be used with caution.
- Need a backup method or ECPs on hand in case abstinence fails.
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| Withdrawal |
- Requires the man to know when he is about to ejaculate so he can withdraw in time. This may be difficult for some young men.
- One of the least effective methods of pregnancy prevention, but it may be the only method available—and always available—for some young people.
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