It’s been a tricky landscape since Roe v. Wade was overturned almost two years ago, as reproductive health care has become increasingly complicated to navigate — and misinformation is on the rise.
Not only are the attacks on abortion care merging with limits on the availability of infertility treatment, but the same court that reversed the constitutional protection for abortion will hear arguments this week on restricting access to mifepristone, one of two medications commonly used to induce an abortion. And on the state level, new bills are aiming to cut back contraception options.
In Oklahoma, one bill in the state legislature has sparked questions about whether it might ban emergency contraception — like the day-after Plan B pill — and intrauterine devices, or IUDs. Part of it targets contraception that prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg. At the same time, some birth control options are expanding. This month, Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill, began sales. And, under a new policy, New York pharmacists can dispense certain hormonal contraceptives without a prescription.
Capital B asked three Black reproductive health care experts some of the big questions about how to access birth control, navigate the misinformation online, and understand what’s unfolding politically. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the difference between abortion care and birth control?
Amid the uptick in misinformation, experts want patients to understand there is a distinct difference between abortion care and birth control. Birth control, like the pill and IUDs, is not abortion inducing, doctors say.
While both are considered a part of reproductive health care, birth control, also called contraception, is intended to prevent pregnancy before it occurs and is often discussed and prescribed by gynecologists, which are doctors who specialize in women’s reproductive health systems.
“Birth control is acting to fundamentally prevent pregnancy,” said Dr. Alexandra Wells, an OB-GYN in Washington state. It works by stopping sperm from meeting the egg, she said.
Abortion care is separate. It terminates an already existing pregnancy, either out of patient choice up to a certain time period or medical necessity. It takes place after folks know they are pregnant and is typically managed by obstetricians, or doctors that focus on the pregnancy of patients. Many practitioners have their training in both gynecology and obstetrics.
Over the past year, how has the landscape over available birth control changed?
With so many different bills being introduced in states across the country, aiming to both limit and expand access to reproductive health care, the amount of misinformation spreading across social media platforms is surging.
While birth control and abortion care are different, the landscape in terms of access to both is shifting nationwide.
Soon after the 2022 Dobbs decision reversing federal abortion protections, when states began moving to restrict abortion, many physicians were concerned about the implications on birth control, said Dr. Yolanda Lawson, a Texas-based OB-GYN. It was not the first time. Several years prior, in the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby case, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that corporations run by religious families cannot be required to pay for insurance coverage for contraception care.
More recently, changes in abortion care have also trickled into changes in birth control access and infertility treatment for families. When reproductive health care clinics offering abortions close, other services are impacted, said Wells, who’s also a fellow with Physicians for Reproductive Health. The good news is technology is making online access to birth control options more accessible. Many options can be mailed and are often covered by insurance, she said.
Opill is now available, adding to the many other options, including condoms, spermicide, the ring, IUDs, implants, patches and cycle tracking.
How do I know what’s happening with access to birth control in my state?
There is no comprehensive, central location for all of this information, said Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights at SiX, an organization that works with elected officials after they win office. The federal Title X family planning websites have a lot of information and resources for patients, said Driver. The best way to find out what is happening with legislation is directly through the state legislator. On each website, you can see what bills are being introduced and which representatives may have brought it forth.
Local news coverage from trusted outlets may also break down what bills are impacting your reproductive health care. Experts caution against relying on social media for health information, given the sheer amount of misinformation and myths.
Do IUDs induce abortions?
No. The devices work by thickening the mucus along the uterine wall, making it difficult for sperm to migrate and meet with the egg, preventing fertilization.
“It’s a simple mechanism, but it really works,” said Lawson, who’s also the president of the National Medical Association. It prevents conception. They are 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy.
What birth control is now available?
Condoms, spermicide, contraceptive sponges, apps to track your menstrual cycle, emergency contraception like Plan B, and most recently Opill, are all birth control options that do not require a prescription from a doctor.
Some hormonal contraceptives require either a prescription or insertion by a medical provider. Those include the ring, IUDs, implants, contraceptive injections, and birth control pills. Sterilization is also an option regardless of the gender of the patient.
“It’s really amazing that women have so many contraception options,” said Lawson. There is some slight variation in how well each works, she said. “There are options that our grandmothers and even mothers did not have. I hope women are empowered by that.”
It’s also important to make sure you feel comfortable with your provider, said Wells. You should feel free to ask questions about how each contraceptive option works and might impact your body.
A lot of birth control options are covered by insurance, and many clinics and health centers may offer free condoms. Some birth control pill companies offer discounts on their websites.
If you’re uninsured, many freestanding health clinics offer sliding scale payment options based on your household income and ability to pay, which could bring the price down.
How do I know what my best birth control option is?
It’s important to understand your medical history, said Wells. In person or online, your provider may ask about your history with high blood pressure, blood clots, and conditions like lupus. Those conditions may preclude the use of certain forms of contraception.
People should also consider their lifestyle and goals, she said. For example, the IUD requires a one-time insertion every handful of years depending on the types, whereas the pill requires patients to take them at the same time each day. Each option offers a different level of independence. The pill can be stopped at any time. The IUD and implant require an appointment with a provider to remove.
An assortment of contraceptives such as Plan B and condoms provided by Planned Parenthood Generation Action at the Sex and Relationships photoshoot. Sex-ed is an important part of K-12 education, and the risk of losing the curriculum in schools can lead to an increase in unwanted teen pregnancies and STIs.
Although it may be a cliche, there is some truth to the trope ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ — whether it be through teachers, pediatricians, athletic coaches or politicians who create laws directly affecting youth. But in some states across the U.S., the adults in charge of youth policies are not doing their part in ensuring quality education for all.
According to an Associated Press article, GOP-led states are at risk of losing sex education curricula in their schools. This idea was amplified after the emergence of the “parents’ rights” movement, whose main concern is dismantling inclusive LGBTQ+ sex education. Republican leaders and parents are trying to ensure that it is the parents’ choice to allow their children to take part in any sex education.
So what can we expect in the absence of sex education at K-12 institutions if these policies are implemented?
Lack of sex education for all youth may lead to an increase in unwanted teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Since GOP state leaders tend to oppose abortion rights, minimizing unwanted pregnancy is crucial in these states to protect teens from potential physical, emotional and financial harms. In fact, teen birth rates are much higher in states that ban abortion and have minimal sex education curricula.
Moreover, the number of contracted sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases has risen again since the COVID-19 pandemic — reaching more than 2.5 million cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia according to the CDC’s 2022 statistics.
GOP-led states are especially at higher risk; out of the top 10 states with the highest rate of STDs, eight are Republican-controlled states.
Many of the Republican voters who oppose mandatory sex education argue that it is the parents’ responsibility to determine what constitutes appropriate sex education for their children. But this begs the question: is sex education really taught at home?
According to OnePoll, one in five parents are not willing to have conversations about sexual matters with their kids at all. Even the parents who discuss sex education with their kids tend to avoid more complex topics, such as birth control and consent.
While sex education in schools is taught by qualified instructors, parents may not have the same level of professional expertise. Not only do they tend to avoid harder topics, but their own lack of education can lead to misinformation. For instance, older generations who are more socially conservative may be more likely to still believe in myths regarding sexual assault, such as victim-blaming for dressing or acting in a “sexually provoking way,” or believing that victims could have prevented it if they wanted to. A study from the International Society for the Study of Individual Differences’ journal proves that individuals with sexually conservative views are more likely to accept these myths.
Furthermore, teenagers are more likely to seek sexual information from peers and teachers than parents. We must keep these resources open, allowing for spaces where minors feel comfortable participating in honest outreach discussions.
The controversy surrounding sex education in public schools has been a longstanding issue, but it significantly escalated recently in GOP-led states due to opposition from parents and politicians who are reluctant to incorporate LGBTQ+ topics. The “Don’t Say Gay Bill” in Florida exemplifies the strong aversion for such discussions in politically conservative states. Given that the inclusion of LGBTQ+ sexual health in the curricula is the biggest concern among Republican-controlled states, should schools offer LGBTQ+ exclusive sex education to satisfy everyone?
The main reason why LGBTQ-inclusive sex education is important is that gender and sexually-marginalized youth are at a higher risk for sexual health issues such as STIs, sexual activity under the influence and dating violence.
LGBTQ+ youth are also far less likely to have open sex discussions with their parents. Even if they do, unless their parents are part of the community themselves, it is often difficult for kids to receive useful and accurate information specifically concerning their sexual health. It is important that schools protect LGBTQ+ youth by providing adequate education to prevent against poor health outcomes and lack of support within their homes.
Sex education is a shared responsibility between schools and parents. While schools need to provide children with quality health education, they also need a welcoming environment at home to seek answers. Instead, youth are struggling to find proper information in a world where open discussions about sex and sexual diversity are considered taboo. In each of our villages, adults and educators are responsible for ensuring safe environments and comprehensive education for all youth, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Since not everyone is privileged enough to receive quality sex education at home, K-12 schools provide necessary education for everyone regardless of socioeconomic status, family background and sexual orientation. When giving equal educational opportunities is the main function of primary and secondary schools, how is it acceptable to exclude one of the most important subjects?
Sex education is directly related to a person’s physical, emotional and social well-being. The World Health Organization defines sexual health as “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality.” Teaching adolescents about sexual health ensures a better quality of life overall.
According to a study from the Journal of Adolescent Health conducted with adolescent women, better sexual health is associated with better social integration, higher self-esteem, less substance use and lower self-reported depression. Another study from the Frontiers in Reproductive Health Journal suggests that among male adolescents, mental and reproductive health are intertwined; poor sexual health leads to poor mental health and vice versa.
Hence, comprehensive sex education can prevent many health issues and encourage healthy habits in various aspects of life. Minimizing sex education curricula means young people who are not fortunate enough to have sexually accepting and knowledgeable parents will have to learn on their own while risking their sexual health.
Conservatives’ irrational fear of healthy relationships being formed between members of same sex and non-binary gender identities, along with their false beliefs of comprehensive sex education encouraging reckless sex, are putting children at risk — including their own. What may hurt their kids is delaying essential education, as well as restricting exposure to healthy homosexual love or confident transgender people. The exclusion of proper sex education may leave people with irreversible consequences, such as unwanted pregnancy, HIV or sexual trauma.
Children should be set up for success, not put in a position where they have to rely on misinformation or the internet to be taught healthy sexual habits.
Plan B One-Step is a single-dose emergency contraceptive (EC) pill. It contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone belonging to the progestin class. Plan B One-Step and its generic alternatives are available over the counter (OTC).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Plan B One-Step to reduce the chance of pregnancy if taken within three days (72 hours) after unprotected sex.1
Taking Plan B One-Step may affect your period. Some females get their period about a week early or a week late after taking Plan B One-Step, and their bleeding may be lighter or heavier than usual. However, if your period is more than a week late, you could be pregnant.3
Keep reading to learn more about the link between taking Plan B One-Step and your period’s timing, along with basic safety and dosage information regarding its use.
Understanding the Morning-After Pill
Emergency birth control such as the morning-after pill, can help decrease your chance of becoming pregnant after unprotected sex. EC pills, like Plan B One-Step, work by preventing ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovaries.
By stopping this process, the sperm cannot fertilize the egg, thus avoiding a pregnancy.
It is important to note that EC will not have any impact if ovulation has already taken place. As a result, EC does not affect fertilized eggs or pregnancies already implanted.4
EC, including Plan B One-Step, differs from Mifeprex (mifepristone). Mifeprex is a medication given in combination with the drug misoprostol for medical termination of a pregnancy up to 70 days into the pregnancy.5
EC, on the other hand, only works as a preventive measure against pregnancy, with no effect after pregnancy begins.2
Some states restrict access or completely disallow the use of Mifeprex. Fourteen states have banned access to Mifeprex for medical termination of pregnancy, while another 15 states limit its use to certain situations.
In contrast, Plan B One-Step is legal and available in all 50 states.6
What Is Plan B One-Step?
The FDA approves Plan B One-Step for use in females to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy following unprotected sex. It comes as a single-dose oral tablet that you swallow. It is intended for use in females of reproductive age.
Plan B One-Step works up to 72 hours after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Taking it as soon as possible increases its effectiveness and reduces the chances of getting pregnant.1
The sooner you take it after sex, the more effectively it works, though some research suggests that it may still work up to four days (96 hours) afterward.4
Levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in Plan B One-Step, is also available OTC as several other emergency contraceptive products, such as Her Style, Opcicon One-Step, and Fallback Solo.2
Plan B One-Step prevents or delays ovulation when the ovary releases an egg. As a result, sperm cells cannot reach or fertilize the egg, which helps prevent pregnancy.3
Plan B One-Step works by preventing or delaying ovulation. If you take it after ovulation has already occurred, it may be less effective.
However, since you may not know when you ovulated, you can still take Plan B One-Step at any time during your menstrual cycle to help prevent pregnancy within three days after having unprotected sex.8
Taking Plan B One-Step may result in changes to the menstrual cycle. After taking Plan B One-Step, your period may be earlier or later than expected. In most cases, individuals taking it will get their period within a week when expected.
However, if your period is more than a week late, this could be a sign of pregnancy; take a pregnancy test or talk to a healthcare provider for guidance.
Period flow and duration may be similarly affected by Plan B One-Step. Some individuals experience heavier or lighter bleeding than usual, and their period may be longer or shorter than usual.
Some people may notice spotting or light bleeding after taking Plan B One-Step, but this side effect may not be your actual period. You should still anticipate your period within a week before or after the expected time.
After taking Plan B, you may feel anxious while waiting to see if it was successful at preventing pregnancy. The most typical indication of its effectiveness is the arrival of your period. You can also take a pregnancy test if your period is late.
There is no other method to determine the effectiveness of Plan B One-Step if signs such as a negative pregnancy test do not occur.3
Why Does Plan B Affect Your Period?
Levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in Plan B One-Step, results in possible changes to the menstrual cycle. Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestin hormone.
It is a lab-made version of a naturally occurring progesterone hormone and acts similarly.1
Because Plan B One-Step contains a more significant amount of hormone than the body naturally produces at various stages of the menstrual cycle, the medication can alter the flow, duration, and timing of the next period.
In general:9
Taking Plan B One-Step after the midpoint of the menstrual cycle (the time of expected ovulation) may result in extended periods and/or delays in period onset.
Taking Plan B One-Step before the midpoint of the menstrual cycle is more frequently associated with spotting and earlier period onset.
Dosing Guidelines
The table below shows the strength and dosage of Plan B One-Step:1
Plan B One-Step can be taken with or without food as long as you take it within 72 hours of unprotected sex. If you vomit within three hours of taking it, you may need to repeat the dose.2
Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider for advice if you have questions about taking Plan B One-Step.
Precautions & Safety
The FDA advises pregnant individuals against using Plan B One-Step. However, the drug is not known to cause harmful effects if taken during pregnancy, and it does not affect an established pregnancy. Plan B One-Step will not terminate an existing pregnancy.
In addition, individuals should not rely on the morning-after pill as their primary form of contraception.
Other options, such as birth control pills or vaginal rings, are more effective when used as prescribed compared to Plan B One-Step or other emergency contraceptive pills.
Certain medications interact with Plan B One-Step and may lead to less effective results for Plan B One-Step when taken simultaneously.
If you’re experiencing severe abdominal pain after taking Plan B One-Step, contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and observation.
How Effective Is Plan B One-Step?
Plan B One-Step provides a practical option for preventing pregnancy. In a major clinical study, Plan B One-Step prevented 84% of expected pregnancies.
This was a drop from 8% to 1% in the expected pregnancy rate following unprotected sex without EC.1
However, other factors can alter the effectiveness of Plan B One-Step. Studies show that taking the medication as soon as possible after the time of unprotected sex increases the chances of effectively preventing pregnancy.
Furthermore, the point in the menstrual cycle when you take Plan B can affect how it works.11
An independent study of Plan B One-Step showed that while the medication may still be effective after ovulation, it is more effective if taken before ovulation.8
Summary
Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel 1.5 mg oral tablet) is an OTC EC pill.1 It is taken to reduce the chance of pregnancy if taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
After taking Plan B One-Step, it’s common for individuals to experience some changes to their normal menstrual cycle.2
Your period can come one week earlier or later than expected. Plan B One-Step may cause spotting and/or periods that are heavier, longer, or lighter than usual.
If more than a week has passed since you expected your period after taking Plan B One-Step, you may be pregnant. Take a pregnancy test; if the result is negative and another week passes without a period, take another test or reach out to a healthcare provider for medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I safely store Plan B One-Step?
Store Plan B One-Step at room temperature (68-77 degrees F) and keep it away from any area susceptible to high levels of heat or moisture, such as the bathroom.
Keep Plan B out of the reach of children and pets.10
Will Plan B One-Step affect future fertility?
No. Plan B One-Step does not impact future fertility. The medication works quickly and only stays in your system for a few hours without making any lasting changes to hormones or fertility.12
What is the shelf-life of Plan B One-Step?
Plan B One-Step comes with an expiration date on the product packaging. It is usually four years after the date of manufacturing.
Once expired, the medication may be less effective, so dispose of any unused Plan B One-Step and replace it with a fresh supply if desired.13
How commonly used is EC?
EC has gained popularity over the last two decades.
According to a 2019 survey, more than 25% of females of reproductive age reported taking EC at least once; a similar survey from 2002 found that only 4% of females reported using EC.
This increase is likely because EC is now an easily accessible OTC product that had previously required a prescription.7
Nothing ruins the post-sex glow like realizing the condom broke. Now what?
“You’re probably anxious about what to do next. It’s natural to jump to worst-case scenarios,” says sexual health specialist Henry Ng, MD, MPH. “But don’t let your fears get the best of you. Take a breath.”
Don’t panic but do get prompt medical care. Dr. Ng explains what to do next and what to expect.
What to do if a condom breaks
If the condom broke while you were having sex, you may be worried about:
“Seek care right away,” Dr. Ng advises. “If you have a primary care provider, that’s a good place to start.” When you contact your healthcare provider, say you have an urgent concern. You may be able to get a same-day appointment.
If you don’t have a primary care provider, your options for quick care include:
Community clinics and health centers.
Express care or urgent care clinics.
Reproductive and sexual health clinics, such as Planned Parenthood.
“Go where you think you’ll feel most comfortable talking openly about sex and your needs,” encourages Dr. Ng. “When you call for an appointment, check that the clinic provides emergency contraception and STI testing, depending on your concerns.”
Dr. Ng also advises against going to the emergency room unless you have a true medical emergency. Trips to the ER can be very costly, and it’s better not to tie up emergency services unless you need them.
How to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex
If you’re worried about potential unwanted pregnancy, get emergency contraception as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Dr. Ng explains your options.
Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel)
Known as a “morning-after pill,” Plan B One-Step® and its generics (My Choice®, My Way®, Preventeza®, Take Action®) are available over the counter. It’s best to take it within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex, but you can take it up to five days after.
“The longer you wait, the less effective Plan B is for preventing pregnancy,” says Dr. Ng. “So, it’s really important to get it within that three-day window.”
Plan B One-Step and the generic versions contain levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone used in some birth control pills. But the dose is different than regular birth control pills. You take Plan B One-Step in one dose.
ella® (ulipristal acetate)
Another morning-after pill option is ella®, but it’s only available with a prescription. It’s a single-dose pill, and you can take it up to five days after unprotected sex. But like Plan B, ella is most effective if you take it within the first 72 hours.
Can you take multiple birth control pills after unprotected sex?
He says the most effective options are Plan B One-Step (or its generics) and ella, which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency birth control.
What to do about potential STIs when the condom breaks
Potential STI exposure can be scary to think about. And even if your partner doesn’t show symptoms of an STI, they could still have one.
If possible, ask your partner about their STI status. If they currently have an STI, you know you need to get tested. If you’re unsure if your partner exposed you to an STI, you may still want to get tested.
STIs to be aware of
STIs are widespread and on the rise in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 5 people have an STI. Some people have an STI but don’t have any symptoms.
Bacterial STIs
Dr. Ng says the most common STIs are gonorrhea and chlamydia, both bacterial infections. Syphilis is also a bacterial STI. If you’ve been exposed, the bacteria will show up on a test right away. Tests are typically done by taking a pee (urine) sample or swabbing your genital area.
“When you get tested, talk to your provider about how you express yourself sexually — the type of sexual activity you engage in,” Dr. Ng says. “A urine test and genital swab may miss a gonorrhea or chlamydia infection if you engaged in oral sex, for example.” Be sure to ask for an oral or rectal swab if you had oral or anal sex.
These viral STIs won’t show up on a blood test right away. It takes time for your body to make antibodies to the virus, which are the signs (markers) that show up on a test. But it’s still important to get tested, especially if you think you were exposed. Your care provider will guide you on the testing windows for viral STIs.
If you know you were exposed to HIV, get medical care right away. Preventive treatments, called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), can protect you, but you must begin taking PEP within 72 hours of exposure to HIV.
“Also consider talking to your care provider about going on pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV,” suggests Dr. Ng. This medication, often called PrEP, is for people who don’t have HIV but are at risk of getting the virus. You take it every day, and it can lower your risk of sexually transmitted HIV by up to 99%.
Condoms are still great protection
There’s no such thing as perfect protection during sex. Even though condoms can fail, it happens rarely, and they’re still your best defense against STIs. Condoms (and there are many different types) are effective birth control when used consistently and correctly.
If your main concern is preventing pregnancy, many birth control options work even better than condoms. Just remember, other birth control methods don’t protect you from STIs, but condoms do.
Taking care of your sexual health pleasure is actually a huge flex, but society doesn’t make it easy to feel empowered while buying birth control. Condoms — the easiest kind of birth control to obtain and the kind with the least amount of side effects — are marketed almost exclusively to cisgender men, in everything from packaging design to description. “The products and shopping journey remains geared towards men and there is still a stigma attached to a woman buying and having her own condoms,” Cécile Gasnault, brand director at SmileMakers, explained to Cosmopolitan UK.
The market continues to grow and change, and in recent years there’s been an influx of startups and brands marketing condoms to women and femme people. However, it’s still far from the norm. So, until femme-forward condoms become ubiquitous and the patriarchy ceases to exist, you’ll likely have to make do with a pharmacy full of male-forward brands. To make the process easier, we break down everything you need to know about buying condoms so that you can be in complete control of your sexual health.
Know your options
When talking about condoms, people usually mean two different things. They are either talking about female condoms or male condoms. Female condoms are much less popular, due in part to the fact that they’ve only been around since the 1990s. A female condom is basically the opposite of a male condom. A female condom goes inside the vagina, and a male condom fits around the outside of the penis or phallic-shaped toys. Another key difference is the levels of effectiveness. Male condoms are roughly 82% effective at preventing pregnancy if used ideally, while studies have shown female condoms to be closer to 79% effective.
Condoms of both varieties, unlike many other forms of birth control, are a good option because they are highly effective and available without a prescription. Most importantly, out of all types of birth control, condoms (both male and female) are the best at preventing STDs. “Condoms act as a barrier which doesn’t allow mixing of bodily fluids and decreases exposure of one partner’s fluids from another,” Dr. Randy S. Gelow told Banner Health. “Remember, between 50% to 80% of STIs have ZERO symptoms, so even if a partner states they have no symptoms or don’t show any symptoms, this doesn’t mean that they don’t have an STI.” Some scientists even think that female condoms might be slightly more effective than their male counterparts. Translation: unless you and your partner have just been tested, use a condom.
Protect yourself
There are about a million different brands of condoms out there, and it can feel a little overwhelming when you’re facing an entire aisle of them at the pharmacy. If you opt for external condoms (i.e. male condoms), experts recommend checking the ingredients of the brands before spending your money. A small percentage of people are allergic to latex. If you fall into this category, opt for lambskin or a different material. Even if you don’t have a latex allergy, some ingredients in condoms can be toxic no matter your gender, so it’s best to opt for something natural if you can.
“Chemicals, dyes, additives, sugar alcohols, preservatives, local anesthetics, spermicides, and other potentially carcinogenic ingredients are often included in standard condoms,” Sherry Ross, MD, OB-GYN, a women’s health expert, and author told Healthline. “Standard brands are not usually concerned about whether their ingredients are organic or natural.” As our bodies absorb everything we put in them, using condoms with carcinogenic ingredients can be dangerous. Don’t be nervous to try something non-name brand for the sake of safer ingredients. Organic options are just as effective as traditional brands and can be safer for you and your partner.
While condom manufacturers are unfortunately not required to list all the ingredients in their products, there are a few to look out for. Avoid condoms with nitrosamine (a known carcinogen), as well as glycerin and condoms with added spermicides — two ingredients that studies suggest do damage the vagina.
Your pleasure is paramount
The sheer variety of birth control methods can feel overwhelming, but sex isn’t supposed to feel like a chore; It’s supposed to be fun! When it comes to hitting the condom aisle, sex therapists recommend looking for two things: ribbed and lubricated. The texture of ribbed condoms (or the less common “dotted”) can provide some of the sensations that using a condom may take out of penetration. “A textured condom can stimulate the nerves that are present in the vagina better than a nontextured condom does, which may enhance pleasure,” Goody Howard, a sex educator, explained to Healthline.
Besides texture, a lubricated condom can be the difference between a great and a very uncomfortable sexual encounter. Lubrication — something the body tends to create itself — is a sign of arousal and a helpful aid for sex. However, a regular latex condom can sometimes feel too dry. To combat this, opt for a brand that factors lubrication into their product. “Any kind of condom with lubrication is always great, just because we can always use a little extra help. Why not?” said Jenni Skylar, a certified sex therapist, when speaking to Women’s Health.
A lubed condom (or adding lube when using a regular condom) makes sex feel better and safer. “If you use a condom-friendly lube (i.e., water-based lube),” Angie Rowntree, founder of a sex-positive and ethical porn site, told Mind Body Green. “It can help prevent breakage and make condom use feel more pleasurable.”
Most condoms will fit most people, but other factors matter, too
You may already know that condoms are your best way to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs, also called sexually transmitted diseases or STDs).
And if you didn’t already know it, let’s say it again: Condoms — the ones made from latex, polyurethane and other synthetic materials — will reduce your chances of getting chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, HIV/AIDS and other infections that can be passed through bodily fluids. (Lambskin condoms, also called natural membrane or lambskin condoms, can allow viruses to pass through.)
Condoms can also prevent pregnancy by blocking semen during vaginal intercourse. That’s true of both synthetic and natural condoms.
There are two general categories of condoms:
Internal condoms are a pouch inserted into the vagina or anus. They come in one standard size.
External condoms are the ones that cover a penis, and they come in a variety of sizes.
Which external condom is right for you? Well … that may be a little complicated. Those oh-so-useful infection-stoppers are a huge market, and there’s a lot to consider: size, material, thickness and enhancements (“for your pleasure”) among them. There are also U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved external condoms on the market specifically for use during anal sex.
When it comes to choosing condoms, is there a right answer? Does condom size matter? And the rest of it?
We talked with urologist Petar Bajic, MD, about whether condom size matters and other factors to consider.
Finding the right size condom
Here’s the bottom line: The best condom for you is one that you’ll use and will keep you and your partner protected for the duration of sexual activity.
Research shows that when people aren’t satisfied with their condom fit, they’re more likely to have less sexual satisfaction and to remove the condom and complete their sexual engagement without it. Kind of defeats the purpose.
In truth, most people will find that most condoms will fit just fine, Dr. Bajic says.
A worldwide review of research studies found that the average erect penis length is about 5.2 inches. Average girth is 4.6 inches when erect. Guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates condoms as a medical device, stipulate that the minimum length for external condoms is 160 millimeters (that’s about 6.3 inches).
That leaves some room for the condom to remain rolled at the base for the average-sized penis. Trojan®, for example, lists their standard condom as the proper-fitting choice for a penis between 5 and 7 inches long with a girth of 4 to 5 inches.
“For the vast majority of people, standard sizes are appropriate, but everyone’s anatomy is different,” Dr. Bajic notes. “It’s best to read the information from that specific condom manufacturer for their guidance on how to determine the best fit for you, and that information should be readily available on the packaging.”
The measurements listed on condom packaging are based on measuring a fully erect penis. To get your size, use a flexible tape measure. Length is the measurement from the base of your penis (where it meets your stomach) to the tip. Girth is the measurement around the widest part of your penis shaft.
Comfort matters
Now, whether the condom is the right size according to the manufacturer’s standards and whether it feels good to your liking may be two different things.
It’s kind of like picking out a pair of jeans. Sure, there’s no shortage of pairs that’ll cover you from hip to ankle, but you may find certain brands or certain cuts to be more comfortable. Maybe you’re the straight-leg type or perhaps bootcut is more your jam. Nothing wrong with being a little choosy.
The same is true of condoms. Any number of them may fit, but it might take trying out a few kinds to determine what you prefer. There are a lot of options out there. So, if you don’t like one, there are plenty of kinds to try and find what works best.
You can try different types of material (remembering that some people may be allergic to latex, so steer clear if that’s a concern for you or your partner). You can also try different material densities. Some condoms are marketed as being “ultra-thin” and the like, which could increase sensation. The minim thickness, per the FDA, is 0.3 mm.
Know if it fits
While most condoms will do the trick for most people, severely ill-fitting condoms could be problematic. A condom that’s too big could fall off during sexual activity. Too small, and you could be at risk of it breaking, Dr. Bajic warns.
“The important thing is to be realistic,” he continues. In other words, choosing a condom isn’t a time to … ahem … stroke your ego, if that’s not what your anatomy calls for.
A properly fitted condom will cover your penis snuggly (but not too tightly) from tip to base, with a half-inch reservoir at the tip. For some people, that may leave an extra bit of rolled condom at the base. That’s OK, and some people prefer that feeling. But if it doesn’t reach to the base of your penis near your stomach, that’s a clear sign to try a bigger size.
Chart: Troubleshooting condom fit and comfort
What you may notice
What to try
The condom doesn’t reach to the base of your penis. It doesn’t leave room for a reservoir at the tip. It slips off. It breaks. It’s uncomfortably tight.
Consider going up a size.
There’s excessive rolled condom at the base of your penis. You have decreased sensation. It slips off.
Try a smaller size.
It’s uncomfortably tight.
Try a larger girth.
You have decreased sensation. It slips off.
Try a smaller girth.
You have decreased sensation.
Consider a thinner material.
The condom breaks.
Try a thicker material.
There is a condom for you
An oft-repeated reason for not wanting to wear a condom is that your penis is “too big.” In reality, condoms are made to stretch. A lot. So, there’s bound to be a condom out there that fits you. (There are videos online of people fitting their whole leg into a condom. Trust us, it’ll fit.)
On the other side of the coin, the condom market is flooded with options, so chances are you’re not “too small” for a condom, either.
Again, “fitting” to the point that it’s safely in place and won’t slip off or break and “fitting” to your liking may have some slight differences. But the point is there’s a condom out there that’ll protect you and your partner from STIs and unwanted pregnancy in the case of vaginal sex. And there’s very likely a choice that you’ll feel good using, too.
“The only better way of preventing sexually transmitted infections than using a condom is abstinence,” Dr. Bajic states. “So, if you plan on engaging in sexual activity, it’s really important to protect yourself, and use barrier contraception.”
France will begin offering free condoms in pharmacies for people up to age 25 starting Jan. 1, in a bid to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday.
“It’s a small revolution for prevention,” Mr. Macron said as he announced the news in a video message posted on Twitter.
The move comes as health authorities have observed an increase in sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, in recent years. But it is also part of a broader public health campaign that has led France to expand free access to contraception and screening for sexually transmitted diseases.
Mr. Macron said that “regarding sexual health” of young people, “we have a real issue,” according to reports from French news outlets present at the debate. And he acknowledged that, when it comes to sex education, “We’re not good on this topic.”
The French president had initially announced on Thursday, during a health debate with young people, that the measure would only apply to people ages 18 to 25. But on Friday — after several people and activists called him out on the fact that minors, too, were at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases — Mr. Macron announced that he was extending the policy to underage people.
“Let’s do it!” Mr. Macron, who by the evening had traveled to Alicante, Spain, for a European summit, said in the video message.
Since 2018, people have been able to get the cost of condoms reimbursed by the national health system if they were purchased in a pharmacy with a prescription. But the measure is not well known to young French people. And more than a quarter of them say they “never” or “not always” use condoms during sexual intercourse with a new partner, according to a study released last year by HEYME, a student health insurance company.
“Condom use is very low, especially among young people,” said Catherine Fohet, a gynecologist and top member of the National Federation of Institutes of Medical Gynecology. She said the price of condoms can be prohibitive but also pointed to their “bad image” as devices that reduce tactile sensation.
French health authorities say that sexually transmitted infections, or S.T.I.s, have been on the rise in recent years, especially among young people, as a result of a decline in the use of prevention methods.
Recently released figures show that the number of people infected with chlamydia rose last year by 15 percent compared with 2020, and more than doubled compared with 2014, based on data from screenings at private health centers.
Meanwhile, gonorrhea infections have been growing since 2016, and H.I.V. infections, which condom use had helped curb in the 1980s and 1990s, have stagnated around 5,000 from 2020 to 2021.
“There’s an explosion of S.T.I.s,” said Jérôme André, the director of HF Prévention, an association that organizes screenings among university students. He added that in some universities of the Paris region, the rate of S.T.I.s reached 40 to 60 percent of those tested.
“We end up testing tons of people who should not be infected,” Mr. André said.
Mr. Macron said in a message posted on Twitter following his announcement that other health measures would be implemented as part of a recently passed health care law. They include free emergency contraception for all women in pharmacies and free testing for sexually transmitted infections without a prescription, except H.I.V., for people under 26.
Ms. Fohet welcomed Thursday’s announcement, but she said free condoms “won’t solve everything.” She added that “education and information” were key to convincing people to use protection during sexual intercourse.
Mr. Macron acknowledged on Thursday that France needed “to train our teachers much better on this topic, we need to raise awareness.”
Condoms are often part of safe sex and contraception discussions because, when used correctly, they’re effective for birth control and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention.
But there’s quite a bit of confusion out there about condoms. Do they truly protect against herpes? Are two condoms better than one? Are some penises really “too big” for every condom out there? Physician assistant and sexual health expert Evan Cottrill, PA-C, AAHIVS, HIVPCP, helps clear up common myths about condoms.
What are the types of condoms?
First, some basics. What are the different types of condoms? There are two main types:
External condoms are worn over the penis to collect ejaculation fluids.
Internal condoms are worn inside the body to act as a barrier and keep ejaculation fluids from entering someone’s body.
There are also dental dams, which act as a barrier during oral sex of any kind.
All types of condoms reduce the risk of transmitting STIs through bodily fluids. Condoms also prevent pregnancy by keeping semen from entering the vagina. There are many other methods of birth control to prevent pregnancy, but a condom can also protect you from STIs. This is also true if you’re having anal sex.
Below, Cottrill walks us through nine facts about condoms and debunks some popular myths along the way.
Are lambskin condoms different from latex condoms?
Condoms made from latex, polyurethane and other synthetic materials can protect you from STIs. But lamb cecum condoms, also called natural membrane or lambskin condoms, can allow viruses to pass through.
If you’re only concerned about preventing pregnancy, lambskin condoms are fine. But if you want protection from STIs, use a latex or polyurethane condom.
Are some people too big for condoms?
If someone has ever told you, Condoms don’t fit me, don’t buy it — this is a myth.
“Anatomic size varies, of course,” says Cottrill. “But there is a condom that can fit every person.”
Most penises don’t require a special condom size. But if needed, there are larger — and smaller — condom sizes available. If you can’t find the right fit at your local grocery store, try searching for them online.
Do condoms protect against herpes?
“Yes, when you use condoms consistently and correctly, they do protect against herpes,” says Cottrill.
The myth that condoms don’t protect against herpes probably came from people who weren’t using them correctly or weren’t using them enough. Herpes is a lifelong condition that spreads through close contact with someone who’s had the infection — even when they’re not having an outbreak and show no signs or symptoms of infection. Herpes can also spread through oral sex and by sharing sex toys, which means it’s important to use a dental dam or condom when participating in these activities.
“You need to use condoms for all types of sex, including oral sex, to prevent the spread of herpes,” states Cottrill.
Do condoms protect against HIV?
“Condoms most definitely reduce the risk of transmitting HIV,” says Cottrill.
However, when it comes to protecting against the spread of viral STIs, such as HIV, hepatitis C and herpes simplex virus (HSV), the condom material matters. For the best protection, avoid lambskin condoms and use latex or polyurethane instead.
“Condoms are effective against any STI, whether bacterial or viral,” notes Cottrill. He again emphasizes that latex and polyurethane condoms — not lambskin — are your best protection.
Is it bad to keep a condom in your wallet?
“This is a very popular question,” says Cottrill. “I do not recommend keeping condoms in your wallet because heat lowers the quality of the material over time. Plus, the packaging can get torn or opened.”
It’s also not a good idea to keep condoms in your car, which can get very hot in the sun. It’s best to store condoms in a cool place where the package won’t get crushed, folded or punctured.
Should you use two condoms?
It might seem logical that two condoms would be better than one — twice the protection or something like that, right? But it’s actually the opposite.
“Do not use two condoms at the same time,” says Cottrill.
Friction during sex can weaken the condoms as they slide against each other, leading to breakage. You also don’t want to wear external condoms while your partner wears an internal condom for the same reasons. Using one condom at a time is most effective.
Can you use any lube with condoms?
Choosing the right lubricant depends partly on the type of condom you’re using. If you’re using latex, stick with silicone or water-based lubricants. Don’t use oil-based substances such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline®), lotion, massage oil or coconut oil, as these can weaken the latex and lead to tears.
But you can use oil-based lubricants with condoms made of polyurethane or other synthetic materials, as these won’t break down so easily.
Do condom expiration dates matter?
Yes, condoms expire, and it’s important to look at those dates.
“It’s best not to use a condom that’s past the date printed on the package or over five years old,” cautions Cottrill.
The condom material breaks down over time, so an older condom is more likely to tear during sex.
Tips for choosing and using condoms
When choosing a condom, consider:
Size: Regular-sized external condoms work just fine for most people. But you can find other sizes available, if necessary, typically right on the shelf at your local drugstore or online.
Material: Lambskin condoms work for avoiding pregnancy but aren’t great for STI protection. Latex and polyurethane condoms are best if you want to prevent the spread of STIs.
No matter what type of condom you’re choosing, use a new condom every time and follow the directions on the package to minimize the risk of slippage, leakage or breakage. If your condom does tear or break while you’re having sex, stop immediately and replace it with a new condom. If you’re concerned about possible pregnancy or STIs, make an appointment with a healthcare provider.
If you’ve tossed the box and need a refresher on how to properly use external condoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a handy guide for using external condoms.
The Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is likely to affect abortion access in roughly half the states, most of which either don’t mandate sex education or offer sex education that emphasizes abstinence, an approach that, research shows, does not encourage adolescents to delay intercourse or reduce the risks that accompany it.
But parents can and should fill the sex education gap, says Laura Widman, an associate professor of psychology at North Carolina State University.
“The Supreme Court ruling makes it more important than ever that we equip teens with all the tools they need to prevent unintended pregnancies,” said Widman, who researches adolescent sexual health. “In all states, and especially in states that are not providing comprehensive sex education in schools, parents have a critical role to play in discussing pregnancy prevention with their kids.”
She understands parents’ hesitance to talk to their kids on the important yet awkward topics of sex and birth control, however. “Oftentimes that anxiety of, ‘I don’t want to say the wrong thing. I don’t want to screw up my kid permanently’ becomes such a barrier that parents say nothing.”
We talked to Widman and others about how parents who would like their kids to use birth control when they become sexually active can best approach the topic.
Toss out any presuppositions of having “the talk” with your children. Building a relationship of openness and support about all aspects of sexuality means having many age-appropriate discussions with your kids, experts said.
“I think it’s never too early to for a parent to start talking with their kids in developmentally appropriate ways about sexual health and safety,” said Annie Hoopes, a pediatrician and adolescent medicine physician-researcher specializing in sexual and reproductive health care. “So for very young kids, it’s talking about understanding your body and who’s allowed to have access to your body and how to communicate your body’s needs.”
As kids reach puberty, she added, the conversations can get more technical and focus on issues like sexual intimacy and how to reduce the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Waiting for the exact right moment to bring up these issues is also a mistake. “There’s never going to be a perfect time or a right time to discuss things related to sex,” Widman said. “So just start. You can use an opportunity when you hear about something in the news, and you just sort of start and keep it short and sweet.”
Not talking to your teens can leave them with the wrong impression about where you stand, said Julie Maslowsky, a developmental psychologist and associate professor of community health sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago. “In our research, we have seen many instances where a teen assumes their parent is opposed to them using contraception, and the parent is actually supportive but just hasn’t had conversations with their teen about it yet,” she said.
In her research involving parents of pregnant teens, “often what we hear is, ‘I was going to talk with her about birth control or we were going to go to the doctor. It was on my list,’ ” Maslowsky said. “And so I would say, ‘Do it early. Do it way before your concerns that there is an imminent risk of pregnancy or unhealthy consequences of sex.’ ”
It might take time to find a method that the adolescent is comfortable with, which is another reason to start talking early about birth control. “Giving the teen some options to start learning about and asking questions about contraception before the time that they need it can provide a really nice foundation,” Hoopes said.
Know the facts
Teen pregnancy has been trending downward since 1991; in 2021, there were 14.4 births per 1,000 females ages 15 to 19, according to provisional data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites fewer teens having sex and improved usage of birth control as likely reasons for the decline but also points out that the U.S. teen pregnancy rate is among the highest in the developed world.
If your child is in high school, there is a good likelihood they are having sex. According to 2017 research from the Guttmacher Institute, 20 percent of high school freshman had had sexual intercourse, rising to 57 percent of seniors.
Parents often have the misconception that some forms of birth control are restricted by age, but Hoopes said that as long as an adolescent has had their period and is otherwise healthy, “all methods are available except sterilization, which is getting your tubes tied.” The choices basically boil down to three types, from least to most effective: barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms; short-acting methods such as the birth control pill, vaginal ring, and skin patches or injections; and long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), such as an IUD or implant.
Many teens, however, are not using the most effective methods of birth control. According to the CDC, data collected from 2015 to 2017 about birth control methods used by sexually active females ages 15 to 19 found that 97 percent had used condoms, 65 percent had used withdrawal and 53 percent had used pills. Nineteen percent had used emergency contraception.
Many teens also are not aware of LARC options, which are expensive. But public health experts are trying to change that. A Colorado initiative to improve access to these options cut teen pregnancy and abortion rates nearly in half.
Make your support clear
>When you do talk to your kids, the main goal should be to convey that they can contact you whatever situation they are in. Hoopes suggested making the conversation “about health and safety, not about values and judgment.” A parent could say something like, “’What I want for you is to for you to achieve your personal goals, for you to complete your education or live your best adult life. And part of that is avoiding pregnancy before you’re ready for one. And I want to be a part of that conversation with you.’”
Widman suggests avoiding yes/no questions, such as “Are you being safe?” Instead, you could ask more open-ended questions, such as, “What have you heard about birth control?” or “What are you friends saying about sexual activity?”
And if you’re wondering how important your involvement is, Hoopes said research indicates that teens are more likely to access contraception and use it more consistently if they feel connected to their families.
Don’t forget your sons
Experts say you should have similar conversations about birth control options with boys as you do with girls. “Both male-identifying and female-identifying adolescents should understand biology and sex and healthy relationships and supportive relationships,” Maslowsky said. “And so, I would not have the conversations very differently. If my teen was capable of pregnancy, then I would talk with them about how to prevent pregnancy in their own body. If my teen was capable of making someone pregnant, then I would talk with them about how they can prevent that.”
Currently, the only male contraceptive option is the condom. While condoms are 98 percent effective with “perfect use” (consistently and correctly), the rate falls to 82 percent with “typical use” (what usually happens in real life). “To use a condom in a way that optimizes the effectiveness does require some education,” Hoopes said. If your teen is not receiving that education through school, you can talk to their pediatrician.
Beyond condoms, which teens of any gender should be using to prevent sexually transmitted infections, boys should understand and be involved in decisions about other forms of contraception, and support their partners, the experts said.
“I would say that pregnancy prevention is everyone’s responsibility and that I think, unfortunately, boys get left out of that conversation, not by their own fault,” Hoopes said.
Help your child consider their options
All birth control options have positives and negatives, and most come with potential side effects. “The best, most supportive thing a parent can do is provide information and provide support and help the adolescent make the decision that’s right for them,” Maslowsky said.
Health-care providers are ready to help. “We use a model called shared decision-making in contraception care,” Hoopes said, “where the patient or the patient and their parent is the expert in their own experience and their body, and the physician or the clinician is the expert in the methods and how they’re used and what the risks and side effects are. And together, in partnership, we make a decision that’s best for that patient.”
Ideally, teens will want to talk to their parents about birth control, but if not, parents can make sure adolescents have some time to talk privately with their pediatrician during their yearly checkups or help them identify other adults — such as a family friend or favorite aunt — who would support them and help them find resources.
Parents can also guide teens — and themselves — to online information from organizations such as the CDC, Planned Parenthood and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The experts also recommended several other resources: Amaze.org has a website and a YouTube channel specifically designed for adolescents by the nonprofit Advocates for Youth, which focuses on sex education. Power to Decide, a nonprofit that seeks to prevent unplanned pregnancies, has a page called Find Your Method. It also runs Bedsider.org, a site aimed at older teens and people in their 20s. The Reproductive Health Access Project has a detailed chart about birth control options.
Trust your kids
According to Maslowsky, there is a consensus in the scientific community “that teens can make decisions about their health care, about their sexual and reproductive health care, that they’re absolutely capable of weighing the pros and cons and making decisions about what’s right for them in terms of the contraception, in terms of being sexually active or not, in terms of abortion.”
Researchers also know that teens like to obtain advice on these issues from adults they are close to. “And so if a teen comes to you and asks for your help, for your opinion, that’s great,” she said. “That means that they’re exercising their ability to make these informed decisions. They’re bringing in trusted experts. And so, I would work with them on the decision. I would support them on their decision.”
Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered a way of extracting nano-fibres from the Australian native spinifex grass to use for condoms that are thinner and stronger than standard latex.
They were assisted by the indigenous Queensland community of Indjalandji-Dhidhanu, which has long used spinifex as an adhesive for spearheads.
Described as a fitness tracker for the penis, the i.Con is a smart condom ring manufactured by British Condoms.
The wearable tech device measures penis girth, thrust counts and duration of intercourse as well as detecting signs of sexually transmitted infections – and users are even able to share their data publicly online, if they wish.
After she was diagnosed with a cervical cancer precursor that meant she is unable to take the female birth control pill, German design graduate Rebecca Weiss developed Coso – a male contraceptive device that uses ultrasound waves to halt sperm regeneration temporarily.
Users of the James Dyson Award-winning gadget fill it up with water, turn it on and dip in their testicles. Contraceptive effectiveness starts two weeks after the first application and the effect is reversible, with fertility expected to return no later than six months after the last application.
Swedish sex toy company Lelo developed a condom with hexagon-shaped cells intended to have better structural integrity and extra grip compared to a regular condom, despite still being made from latex.
“There’s a reason why honeycombs are the shaped they are, and why snake scales move the way they do,” said Filip Sedic, founder of Lelo. “They’re nature’s go-to shape for anything needing to be at once lightweight, and incredibly strong.”
Created by Taiwanese designer Guan-Hao Pan, these condom packages are modelled on phallic fruit and veg denoting their girth.
The idea is that users can hold the cylindrical tubes and determine the correct size for them – whether that be courgette, turnip, banana, carrot or cucumber.
UK schoolchildren Daanyaal Ali, Muaz Nawaz and Chirag Shah won a prize at the 2015 TeenTech Awards for their S.T.EYE concept, which saw them design condoms that change colour when a sexually transmitted disease is detected.
The proposed condom design would be embedded with chemical indicators that would react to the bacteria that cause infections such as chlamydia and syphilis, changing colour to warn of the risk.
Bearina is a concept for a contraceptive intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) that works using a one-cent coin.
In normal copper IUDs like the coil, metal ions dissolving from the device act as spermicide, so the Bearina provides a holder for a coin with a nylon thread.
It’s the brainchild of Ronen Kadushin, who open-sourced the design so anyone can download the production files and theoretically manufacture an IUD at the fraction of the price of a conventional model.
British designer Ben Pawle created a condom wrapper for people with disabilities that can be opened with a simple finger-clicking action to break both the outer layer of foil and the thin plastic lining inside.
“I guess it’s just common sense – why is a condom an obstacle and hinderance instead of enhancing a moment?” Pawle said.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are the different human rights related to sexuality and reproduction, such as sexual health, sexual rights, reproductive health, and reproductive rights. When people don’t have access to SRHR, there can be devastating consequences.
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that blocks sperm from mixing with semen. This prevents someone with a penis from getting someone pregnant.
It’s a common method of contraception that about 500,000 men in the United States choose every year. You may still wonder if a vasectomy hurts since it requires incisions in the scrotum.
Like any type of surgery, there is the likelihood of some pain and discomfort. However, vasectomy pain is usually minor, temporary, and easily treated.
A vasectomy is a relatively quick and simple procedure that’s performed by a urologist. It may be done in a urologist’s office, or at a hospital or surgery center.
Because the goal of a vasectomy is to be sterile, it’s a procedure that requires careful consideration — not just about the nature of the surgery and recovery, but what it means for the future.
It’s also important to remember that a vasectomy should have no long-term impact on sexual function.
Procedure
A vasectomy is usually performed with local anesthesia, but it may be done under full sedation. If you’re especially nervous about this procedure — or if another surgery is being done at the same time — then full sedation may be appropriate.
Prior to the surgery, your scrotal area will be prepped by shaving and cleaning it with an antiseptic wash. You may be asked to shave that area around the scrotum — but not the scrotum itself — the night before your procedure.
If you’re having local anesthesia, you’ll receive a shot in the scrotum, which numbs the area and prevents pain. The injection will hurt a little, but soon you won’t feel any pain. You may be able to sense tension or movement during the surgery, but no pain.
During a conventional vasectomy, the doctor will make two small incisions in the scrotum to access the vas deferens.
After the incisions are made, the urologist will cut the ends of each of two vas deferens and tie them off or place tissue where the cuts were made. This blocks sperm from flowing up through the vas deferens.
Another method, called cautery, may be used instead of dividing the vas deferens. The surgeon will burn the inside of the vas deferens with a special tool to promote scar tissue formation.
Dissolvable stitches may be used to close the incisions. In some cases, no stitches are used and the scrotum is allowed to heal on its own. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes, and after a brief recovery period, you can go home the same day.
Once the anesthesia wears off, you can expect some pain in your scrotum. You may notice some slight swelling and bruising. These reactions should last only a few days. After that, your scrotum should look as it did before your vasectomy.
To help treat the pain, wear snug (but not too tight) underwear to restrict your testicles from moving too much.
An ice pack may also help. Many people opt for something more flexible that will fit around the scrotum, such as a bag of frozen peas. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help during those first few days.
You should avoid heavy physical exertion for about a week. You may be able to have sexual intercourse after a few days, but if you experience pain or discomfort, wait a week or until you are symptom-free.
Be sure to listen to instructions from your doctor about aftercare, and ask questions if you need clarity.
Follow-up
Pregnancies after vasectomies are rare — only about 1 to 2 women out of 1,000 get pregnant within a year after a partner’s vasectomy. But it’s important to follow up your procedure by having a semen sample checked for sperm.
This is usually done about 8 weeks or 20 ejaculations after the vasectomy. During that time, you’ll want to use an alternative form of contraception.
You’ll need to follow up with your doctor after a vasectomy makes sure that the procedure was successful. Other than that, there’s not normally a need to keep following up.
The pain you feel in the hours and days right after a vasectomy should gradually fade, but if you notice the pain getting worse, notify your doctor. The same is true if you notice swelling that doesn’t subside.
Bleeding complications are rare, but if you notice bleeding from the incision, call your doctor. If you see pus coming from that area or experience a fever over 100°F (37.78°C), don’t hesitate to call your doctor, as these may be signs of an infection.
In 1 to 2 percentTrusted Source of vasectomies, a rare condition called post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) occurs.
PVPS is defined as scrotal pain that is constant or intermittent over a period of at least 3 months. In many cases, the pain flares up during or after sexual activity, or after vigorous physical activity.
You may also experience pain, which may be sharp or throbbing, without any activity triggering it. Sometimes, PVPS appears soon after a vasectomy, but it may also develop months or even years later.
The causes of PVPS aren’t yet well understood, but they may include:
nerve damage
pressure within the scrotum
scar tissue affecting the vas deferens
epididymitis, which is an inflammation of the epididymis
Treatment
One way to treat PVPS is with a vasectomy reversal, which restores the ability to have children.
One 2017 studyTrusted Source suggests that vasectomy reversal is the most “logical” solution to PVPS, assuming that scar tissue or other obstruction in the vas deferens is the cause of pain. While uncommon, surgery to free an entrapped nerve may also be an option.
In recent years, an alternative to traditional vasectomies has become popular. It’s known as a no-scalpel vasectomy.
This involves a small poke in the scrotum to open it up just enough to pull the vas deferens through. A cut is made of the vas deferens, which are then allowed to retreat back through the hole.
The recovery time is shorter for a scalpel-free vasectomy, and the risk of bleeding problems and complications is lower compared to a conventional vasectomy.
The scalpel-free approach is newer, and recommended by the American Urological Association. Many newer urologists will have training in this technique.
Though a vasectomy is a procedure performed on an especially sensitive part of the body, it’s not an operation that causes a lot of pain or lingering discomfort.
If you’re planning to have a vasectomy, just have some ice or a frozen bag of peas available when you get home, and relax for a few days. If you notice any complications or lingering pain, you should notify your doctor immediately.
If you’re sexually active, or planning on having sex, it’s important to find a form of contraception that works for you. Regardless of your gender, sexual orientation, or genitalia, it’s important to consider which type of birth control to use.
This can be tricky for anyone. And if you’re a teenager who needs contraception, this can be even more difficult. You’ll have to consider other factors, like guardian consent, access, and cost.
The good news is that there are many kinds of contraception out there, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. While a healthcare worker is best equipped to help you figure out what’s best for your individual needs, this brief guide can help you choose a birth control method that works for you.
Before you choose contraception, there are a few things you need to know as a teenager.
There isn’t a ‘right’ age — if you’re ready, you’re ready
Some people have sex as teenagers, others wait until their twenties, and others choose to be celibate forever — and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s your choice!
Choosing to have sex is a personal decision, and it’s up to you whether you want to or not. Just remember to practice enthusiastic consent when you’re with your partner(s) and take measures to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Some — not all — methods may require a guardian’s consent
Depending on the method you want to use, you might need consent from a guardian if you’re a minor. Laws on this can vary from state to state, so it’s important to look up the laws where you live or talk with a local healthcare provider.
For more about where you live, check out our comprehensive state-by-state guide.
During a pelvic exam, a doctor or other healthcare professional will take a look at your vagina and vulva, inspecting the area for signs of infection or other underlying conditions. Pelvic exams usually include a Pap smear.
While a pelvic exam is no big deal for some, other people aren’t comfortable with them. If you fall into the latter camp, you might want to opt for a birth control method that doesn’t require a pelvic exam.
With that said, it’s usually recommended that you have a pelvic exam every year or so after becoming sexually active.
Birth control can also be used for symptom management
Many people use birth control, even when they aren’t sexually active.
The pill is associated with a range of benefits other than simply preventing pregnancy. Some people go on the contraceptive pill, for example, to help reduce acne, heavy periods, and menstrual cramps.
You don’t have to stick with the same method forever
Remember: You don’t have to use the same contraception forever. In fact, many people change methods.
you’re able to afford a method that works better for you
your lifestyle changes
Just make sure you talk with a healthcare professional before you stop using your current method and switch to a new one. They can advise you on the best way to make the transition, ideally minimizing any unwanted side effects during this time.
As with any other age group, there’s no real one-size-fits-all solution. The method you choose depends on what’s convenient for you and what works best with your body. For example, some people might experience side effects with one form of birth control, but not with others.
Here are some of the most popular and easy-to-use birth control methods.
The most accessible method: Condoms
Condoms are probably the most accessible form of birth control to you. They can be bought online or at a supermarket. And, unlike most forms of contraception, you don’t need a prescription.
Unless you have an allergy to latex or the lubricant commonly found on condoms, the side effects are usually pretty rare and mild.
A big advantage of using condoms is that they can also reduce your risk for contracting a STI.
They can also be used alongside other birth control methods, like an IUD and the pill, further reducing your chance of unwanted pregnancy.
However, in order for condoms to be effective, they need to be used correctly and consistently — and it’s not always as easy as it looks. Even if you do use condoms correctly, there’s a chance they’ll break.
The most effective methods: IUDs and implants
The most effective methods are the implant and the IUD. These are long-term birth control methods, but they can be removed early if you prefer.
A huge advantage is that you can get them inserted and then not worry about them. Compared with the pill, which you have to take every day, these options are pretty low-maintenance.
The implant is a matchstick-sized plastic rod that’s inserted under your skin. It releases the hormone progestin, which prevents ovulation.
According to Planned Parenthood, the implant is more than 99 percent effective. You don’t need a pelvic exam to obtain an implant, but you’ll have to see a healthcare professional to get it inserted.
You’ll need a pelvic exam and a prescription for IUD insertion, too.
There are two different kinds of IUDs: the copper IUD and hormonal IUD.
The copper IUD is a non-hormonal method, which is a bonus for those who doesn’t want to use hormonal contraception. The copper repels sperm, which is why it’s effective. The copper IUD can be left in for up to 12 years.
The hormonal IUD can be left in place for 3 to 7 years. It releases progestin, which prevents ovulation. Some people find that the hormonal IUD stops their period or makes it lighter.
With that said, some people find that implants or IUDs cause painful periods and bad PMS. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to predict how your body will react to these birth control methods.
The most popular method: Contraceptive pills
Oral contraceptive pills are a very popular birth control method. You can use the minipill (progestin only) or the combination pill (progestin and estrogen).
There are some potential drawbacks. First, you have to take them every single day around the same time in order for them to be effective.
Second, some people experience side effects, like acne or breast tenderness, while others find unexpected perks, like lighter periods, less acne, and a more regulated mood.
A copper IUD can also be used as EC if it’s inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex.
According to Planned Parenthood, emergency IUD insertion reduces the chance of pregnancy by 99 percent. However, you’ll need a healthcare professional to insert the IUD.
Fertility awareness (also called the ‘rhythm method’)
The rhythm method involves tracking your menstrual cycle to find out when you’re fertile. This helps you avoid penis-in-vagina sex — and other activities that may introduce semen to the vaginal canal, like fingering after touching pre-cum or ejaculate — around the fertile period. Doing so can reduce your chances of getting pregnant.
The fertility awareness method combines the rhythm method with observation methods (like tracking your temperature and checking your cervical mucus) to predict ovulation.
The effectiveness of the fertility awareness method depends on a lot of factors, including the method you use and how accurately you chart your cycle and symptoms.
This method can be combined with another method, like condoms, to further reduce your chances of unwanted pregnancy.
PSA: Withdrawal isn’t reliable
The contraception you choose depends on your specific situation. To help you figure out which method is best for you, ask yourself the following questions.
How well does it work?
You’ll want to use a very effective form of birth control. For this reason, it’s probably best to avoid something like the withdrawal method, which is known to be ineffective.
Is it easy to use?
Contraception is only effective when you use it correctly.
The easiest methods to “use” are long-term birth control methods, like the IUD or implant, because you don’t actually have to do anything. Once it’s inserted, you can basically forget about it.
The pill might not be ideal for someone who can’t remember to take it every day. But if this isn’t an issue for you, it could be a good fit.
Condoms aren’t always easy to use at first, but you’ll probably pick it up quickly with a little practice. Take a look at our guide on using condoms correctly for more information.
What are the potential side effects?
You can’t always predict if you’ll experience side effects. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of the method you choose.
If the side effects feel too uncomfortable or unmanageable for you, you can go off that form of contraception and use another one.
Some forms of hormonal birth control aren’t suitable for people with certain health conditions. Be sure to tell your physician or other care provider about your full medical history, including any underlying conditions or medications you take, so they can take this into consideration.
How much does it cost?
Cost is an important factor. If you aren’t comfortable asking a guardian or other trusted adult for assistance, or if money is tight for you and your family, read our guide to finding low-cost contraception in your state.
Can it prevent STIs?
Preventing pregnancy is only one part of the safer sex conversation.
One way to reduce your risk of contracting an STI is to use a barrier method along with another birth control method. If you aren’t keen on condoms, you and your partner(s) can get tested for STIs together. A local sexual health clinic or Planned Parenthood might be able to help.
While condoms can usually be purchased at your local store, you’ll need to see a healthcare professional to obtain other forms of contraception, like the pill or IUD.
If you have a primary care doctor, they can help you with contraception.
But, if seeing a general practitioner is too costly, or if you aren’t comfortable discussing birth control with your usual doctor, there are other options. This includes local health departments and family planning clinics, like Planned Parenthood.
If you’re a college or university student, they’ll probably have a health clinic that offers free or discounted services.
If you’re an adult helping a teen choose contraception, there are a couple points to remember:
Respect their autonomy. Remember that their decision to use birth control or engage in sexual activity is theirs.
Keep an open line of communication. Let them know that they’re able to approach you with questions if they need to.
Respect their privacy. They might not be comfortable discussing sex and birth control in detail. Be prepared to direct them to a doctor, clinic, or online resources if they have questions they don’t want to ask you.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, one news story stood out. Amid the fear of the coronavirus and the uncertainty around how best to contain it, it seemed we were also on the brink of running out of condoms.
In March, the world’s biggest condom manufacturer warned of a global shortage after it was forced to close its factories in Malaysia for a week to comply with local lockdown restrictions.
Karex makes one in five condoms worldwide and has operations across the United States, United Kingdom, Malaysia and Thailand. In normal circumstances, it produces five billion condoms a year, and supplies governments, NGOs, brands and retailers in over 130 countries. The factory reopened at the beginning of April but has been operating with only half its staff.
“It will take time to jumpstart factories and we will struggle to keep up with demand at half capacity,” the chief executive, Goh Miah Kiat said at the time. “We are going to see a global shortage of condoms everywhere, which is going to be scary.”
Karex have not yet issued an update on their production levels. At the point the factories reopened they were experiencing a shortfall of 100 million condoms. But how much will this actually impact on our lives right now?
At first brands were expecting a rise in condom use, assuming that social distancing would lead to people staying in and having more sex. In March Trojan Condoms urged retailers not to deprioritize condoms by classifying them as ‘non-essential’. “More time together spells more sex,” said Bruce Weiss, the vice president of marketing for Trojan Condoms. “Condoms are more important than ever before and should be considered essential products amid the COVID-19 outbreak.”
At the end of March, a YouGov survey of more than 24,000 US adults, one in eight said they’d been having sex with their partner more frequently. Around the same time, adult retailers noted a rise in sex toy sales, including those aimed at couples. But as time has gone on, it’s become clear that for many people quarantine has been a total libido-killer. Being stuck at home with your partner with nothing to do and nowhere to go is not a recipe for excitement, sexual or otherwise. Vogue reported in April that many people were experiencing an “erotic nosedive” as the effects of stress and overfamiliarity took their toll.
With casual sex and hookups also off the table, the demand for condoms has gone down. By the end of April major brands such as Durex were reporting a reduction in sales. Laxman Narasimhan, the chief executive of Reckitt Benckiser, the company that owns Durex, told The Guardian that quarantine restrictions in the UK had led to reduced opportunities for sex as single people and people living in different households to their partners were no longer allowed to meet up. “What you see is this virus is having a toll on the number of intimate occasions in the UK,” he said. He noted that increased anxiety had also led to less sex between established couples.
While it might be the case people are having less sex, the desire to avoid pregnancy has not decreased. In a survey in Italy published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology 81.9% of respondents said they did not intend to conceive during the pandemic. Of the participants who had been planning to have a child before the pandemic, 37.3% said they’d since ditched their plans. Condoms might be in demand after all.
It’s worth remembering, however, that not everybody who uses birth control uses condoms. In the U.S. just 15% of women who use contraception use condoms as their preferred method. A factsheet from the Guttmacher Institute indicates that 25% use the contraceptive pill, 12% use an IUD, and many rely on tubal sterilization (22%) or vasectomy (7%). In the UK 26% of 16–49-year-olds use hormonal contraception as their usual method, according to findings from the NATSAL-3. Furthermore, barrier methods such as condoms were found to be higher in short-term relationships among younger participants—precisely the demographic least likely to be having sex under current social distancing regulations.
A potentially greater concern—both at home and around the world—is the restricted access to sexual health services and family planning. Analysis from the Guttmacher Institute estimated that 49 million women globally would miss out on contraception as a result of the disruption to services caused by COVID-19.
Many sexual health providers in the U.S. and UK have reported a drop-off in the amount of patients they’ve seen, as people stay away from hospitals and clinics. In some cases, this can be viewed as a positive. STI transmission rates are at an all-time low in the UK, and the availability of home-testing means people can get diagnosed without leaving the house. But when it comes to long-acting reversible methods of birth control, the situation is more concerning.
A survey conducted in April by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) found that in-person services for patients have shrunk dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in mid-March. Fifty four percent of local clinics have closed altogether, and many of those that remain open are operating with less than half the staff. As a result, BASHH found that 86% of clinics could not offer contraceptive choices such as the coil or implant.
Whether people who cannot access long-acting reversible methods of contraception will turn instead to condoms is debatable, though. With visits to the pharmacy or supermarket far more stressful than usual, it would be easy to put off buying condoms. If the idea of doing without contraception altogether sounds strange, consider this: 60% of women aged between 15 and 44 in the U.S. have relied on withdrawal at some point in their lives. In a recent interview, Dr Anita Mitra, a British gynecologist and author of The Gynae Geek said she’d noticed a big decrease in use of both hormonal contraception and condoms. While official figures from the WHO say 8% of couples prefer to use withdrawal over any other method, she believes the real number to be much higher. “I see a huge number of young women who tell me that they use withdrawal at least occasionally, or as their sole method for preventing pregnancy,” she said.
A global pandemic might seem like a strange time to try the famously unreliable “pull-out” method but if there’s one thing that has characterised this period it’s our sudden and necessary familiarity with everyday risk-assessment. In these circumstances it’s possible a trip to the pharmacy or doctor’s office could seem like the greater risk to take.
Either way it seems safe to conclude that our demand for condoms has diminished in quarantine—at least in Europe and the U.S. But, as Chris Purdy, CEO of family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention charity DKT International, said in April, it isn’t just the manufacture of condoms that’s been affected by the pandemic. Everything from problems sourcing the requisite components to freight, shipping, quarantine requirements and increased oversight on imports has led to delays. In many countries this could lead to shortages even when product availability is high.
Ultimately, though, condoms are only part of this picture. Even if we don’t run out, the myriad knock-on effects the coronavirus pandemic has on sexual health and family planning services around the world will be felt for a long time.
Most people learned about the basics of sex education growing up — or at least heard the slogan “wrap it before you tap it.” Yet it seems college students have forgotten this slogan and are not practicing safe sex.
Women, when having male partners, are often expected to be on a method of birth control, and while many women rely on birth control — some 60% — that is not the only concern for both partners when having sex.
For some sexual partners, the idea of safe sex may be directly correlated with being on the pill, and many forget pregnancy isn’t the only risk of unsafe sex. But sexually transmitted infections are a risk for all parties engaging in sexual activities, and college-aged people are at higher risk of contracting these types of diseases.
Since this age group is at the most risk, it is important for them to practice all forms of safe sex, which means consistently using condoms and other forms of contraceptives.
Many people choose not use condoms in long-term relationships because they know their partner’s sexual history and have been previously tested. But in college, sexual experiences are more than often outside of relationships and sexual history is not discussed. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about STIs found that, “Young women (ages 15-24) account for nearly half (45 percent) of reported cases and face the most severe consequences of an undiagnosed infection.”
A study from researchers Elizabeth M. Farrington, David C. Bell and Aron E. DiBacco looked into the reasons why people reject condoms and stated that, “Many reported objections to condom use seem to be related to anticipated reductions in pleasure and enjoyment, often through ‘ruining the moment’ or ‘inhibiting spur of the moment sex.’”
Taking a few seconds to put on a condom is not something that will ruin the experience, especially if it means protecting yourself from STIs, considering some infections are life-threatening.
Protection does not always mean using a condom, and even condoms must be used properly to prevent risk of tear. Planned Parenthood stated, “It’s also harder to use condoms correctly and remember other safer sex basics when you’re drunk or high.”
In same sex relationships, protection is just as important. Research found that, “Among women, a gay identity was associated with decreased risk while among men, a gay identity among behaviorally bisexual males was associated with increased STI risk.”
Condoms might be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about protection, but there are many other options for birth control that can help prevent contracting a STI, and it’s important to talk with your partner about which method or methods with which you’re both comfortable.
Dr. Candace Black, a lecturer at the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, just finished conducting research on the practices of safe sex and said that often the lack of condom usage comes from a lack of sexual education.
“I don’t have data on this so it is anecdotal, young women are really targeted for sex education when it does occur and so it attributes to ideas like (they are more exposed to ideas like) STIs, condom use and birth control. I think collectively we spend a lot of time teaching young girls about sex education and prevention, which I think is wonderful,” Black said. “I have not observed a parallel effort for young men. And so in my observation, again this is just kind of anecdotal, the young men don’t have the same kind of sex education as far as risk factors, as far as pregnancy as far as all of that. There is a gender disparity as far as access to sex education.”
According to the American Addiction Center, when someone’s inhibitions are lowered due to alcohol, many are “at risk for an unwanted and unplanned pregnancy or for contracting a sexually transmitted (STD) or infectious disease.”
“You have to look beyond the current circumstances of people and consider access to sexual education which is seriously lacking in a lot of places, and in particular Arizona. The sex education isn’t great,” Black said. “There are various nonprofits that try and fill that service gap and provide adolescents and kids with sex education, but there is still a significant need.”
Not properly educating young people on the risk factors surrounding unsafe sex leads to these problems in the future when students are given more freedom in college. This often results in students not prioritizing thorough sexual health, but it should be on the minds of all sexually active students.
In the long run, it’s easier — and safer — to have sex with a condom than to deal with all the repercussions that can come from not using one.
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