Birth Control + Contraception

Most birth control methods are available either free or low-cost. Our partner organization Take Control Initiative actually sponsors free long acting birth control options for folks in our community. They will even get you a ride to the clinic! Find out more information here.

All FDA-approved birth control methods have gone through extensive research showing they are safe to use and effective at preventing pregnancy. Some even have other benefits, like making your periods shorter, giving you periods with less cramping, and improving acne.

Talk with your medical provider about your health history and any risk factors you may have. For example, smoking could have negative interactions with some forms of birth control. It’s important to be honest with your provider about your health and medical history to ensure your safety!

Youth 19 and under can receive confidential sexual and reproductive health care at all of our partner clinics.

Whether you’re looking for birth control, condoms, or STI testing, you can probably get it for free and confidentially.

Visit our Find a Clinic page to see your nearest location for confidential clinic services.

DO use a condom every time you have sex.	DON’T store condoms in your wallet as heat and friction can damage them.
DO put on a condom before having sex.	DON’T use nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide), as this can cause irritation.
DO read the package and check the expiration date.	DON’T use oil-based products like baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly, or cooking oil because they will cause the condom to break.
DO make sure there are no tears or defects.	DON’T use more than one condom at a time.
DO store condoms in a cool, dry place.	DON’T reuse a condom.
DO use latex or polyurethane condoms.
DO use water-based or silicone-based lubricant to prevent breakage.

DO use a female (internal) condom from start to finish, every time you have vaginal sex.*	DON’T use a male (external) condom with an female (internal) condom, as this can cause tearing.
DO read the condom package insert and check the expiration date.	DON’T reuse a condom.
DO make sure there are no tears or defects.	DON’T flush condoms as they may clog the toilet.
DO use lubricant to help prevent the condom from slipping and tearing.
DO store condoms in a cool, dry place.

Dental dams are latex or polyurethane sheets used between the mouth and vagina or anus during oral sex. Ready-to-use dental dams can be purchased online. Bonus tip: external condoms can be cut in half (lengthwise) and used as a dental dam!

DO use a new latex or polyurethane dental dam every time you have oral sex.	DON’T reuse a dental dam.
DO read the package and check the expiration date.	DON’T stretch a dental dam, as this can cause it to tear.
DO make sure there are no tears or defects.	DON’T use nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide), which can cause irritation.
DO put on before starting oral sex and keep it on until finished.	DON’T use oil-based products like baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly, or cooking oil because they will cause the dental dam to break.
DO use water-based or silicone-based lubricant to prevent breakage.	DON’T flush dental dams down the toilet as they may clog it.
DO store dental dams in a cool, dry place.