What You and Your Teen Need to Know About Male Birth Control

Today our teens have access to a wide variety of information, both real and false, right in the palm of their hands. Despite what some of our kids have heard on social media, there is no FDA-approved male birth control option. Condoms and vasectomy remain the only male birth control methods available today.

When speaking with teens, they not only believe these male methods exist but also overwhelmingly seem to believe the male methods are currently being used by “people they know.” When teens believe inaccurate information because they get it from what they deem to be reliable sources, they are less able to protect themselves against unplanned pregnancy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 4 out of 5 teen pregnancies are unplanned. Unplanned teen pregnancy can result in negative health, educational, and economic outcomes for both mom and baby. The good news is that the teen pregnancy rate is at an all-time low due to decreased sexual encounters and increased use of the most effective methods of birth control like IUDs and the contraceptive implant.

Both IUDs and contraceptive implants are low maintenance, completely reversible options for teens and young adults. IUDs are small T shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a health care provider. IUDs can last between 3–10 years depending on the type. The contraceptive implant is a match stick sized device that is inserted into the upper arm of a female. It can last up to 3 years. Both IUDs and contraceptive implants are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Though boys can’t get pregnant, they still play a role in safe sex and pregnancy. They are responsible for their own health and need to prioritize the health of their partner as well. If you want to learn more about the birth control options available for your teen, click here, and if you are looking for tips on how to talk to your teen, click here.