AboutAllison Expertise I can answer questions on birth control including how they work, the pros and cons of different methods, why you might choose one over the other, how to correct mistakes you may have made in using the device and more. As well, I can help with general knowledge on STIs, symptoms, incubation, transmission, and treatment.
Experience I have experience in birth control and sexual health education counselling since 2003. I have worked with two affiliates of the International Planned Parenthood Federation and have been extensively trained by them. As well, I have a Masters in Applied Science (Sexual Health).
Question im 16 and my girlfriend is 15. We have had sex once and i was wondering how i can get her birth control without her parents knowing because there very suspicious that were doing stuff when were not even, we are just hangin out so asking for birth control would just climax there suspicions. Help Please =]
Answer Hi Nate,
Thank you for writing to me about this. I'm glad you and your girlfriend are being responsible by using birth control.
There is a confidentiality between doctors and patients that cannot be breached unless there is reasonable cause (such as suspicion of child abuse). As such, whatever you and your girlfriend discuss with your doctor will be kept only between you.
As I'm not sure where you live, I can't tell you exactly where to go, but there are many health clinics that are targeted specificially at youth and who are experts. Also, there are many places that have Planned Parenthood clinics specialising in reproductive health.
As most birth control for women is by prescription, your girlfriend will have to talk to a doctor to get a prescription and to determine what birthcontrol is best for her based on her medical history.
There are many different types of birth control and they commonly function by stopping the release of an egg so that it cannot be fertilised to turn into a baby. These are all hormonal and require the hormones to be ingested by the woman. The one you are probably most familiar with the The Pill which the woman has to take at the same time each day. If this is to complicated for your girlfriend (in terms of remembering to do it on time or to keep it hidden from her parents) there are other options. One is a patch worn on the skin that is changed once a week, another is a small plastic ring that is worn in the vagina for 3 weeks on/ 1 week off, and another is getting an injection shot from the doctor once every 3 months.
If you check out these websites they have lots of information on the different kinds of birth control:
Please find a doctor that you and your girlfriend can talk to about the options and they can help you decide what is right for you. In the meantime, please continue to use condoms, which are available from many youth clinics and high school nurses for free, or fairly cheap at your local shopping centre.
