In today's world birth control is quickly gaining momentum. There are many kinds of birth control pills and other measures are available in market today. The two most popular forms of birth control for teens are the pill and condoms. While far too many teens use no protection at all, when protection is used it is most likely to be one of the two. Because these options are so popular, it is important that teens know the facts.

Effectiveness:

The effectiveness of birth control pills depends entirely on how they are used. While the stated effectiveness is 96-99% in reality this rate is much lower, around 87%. The reason for the difference is owed entirely to user habits. Taking the pill at different times of day, missing days or skipping pills all decrease the effectiveness of the birth control pills.

Some, but not all, birth control pills can help control acne. If one becomes very ill, with vomiting and or diarrhea, the effectiveness of the birth control pills can be reduced.The pill does not protect you against any STDs. Most of the people who use the pill usually experience lighter bleeding, significantly less cramping and shorter periods.

The pill offers benefits like less chance of getting PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), protection against begin breast cysts, protection against ovarian cysts and cancers, uterine cancer and PMS. Smokers should consider a different form of birth control, the pill is not recommended for smokers of any age.

The most serious complication associated with birth control pills are blood clots. Taking the pill will not make one more sexually active or cause one to want sex more often than she will do without the pill. One can become pregnant if she has sex during ones period even if she is on birth control pills. It is highly unlikely but entirely possible.

Myths

The birth control pills do not make any one fat. Some women gain weight and some on the other hand lose weight. One does not need to take a break from using the pill. There is no medical reason for periodically going off of the pill and it is a totally unnecessary practice. The pill does not protect against AIDS or HIV and any other kinds of STD. The pill also does not cause an increase in body odor. The pill does not send out pheromes or hormonal cues to boys that one is ready to have sex or wants to have sex.