Read the teen fact sheet

What is contraception?

The word ‘contraception’ means preventing pregnancy. It is also called birth control or protection. Contraceptives are things used to prevent pregnancy.

Many forms of protection are over 85% effective, but nothing is guaranteed to work every time. There is always a risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) after penetrative sex.

Contraception and sex education

Contraception is a key part of sex education. You should teach your teen to protect themselves if they choose to have sex, no matter their gender or sexuality.

These conversations can be tricky. But remember you are sharing information to help your teen look after their health. If you do not teach them, they may turn to less reliable sources or make risky decisions. Regular, open discussions will show your teen they can come to you for advice and support.

Contraception options for teens

There are lots of safe contraceptives. The best ones for your teen will depend on their body and lifestyle.

Most contraceptives either:

• block sperm from entering the vagina
• make it harder for sperm to get through the cervix to an egg
• stop the body from releasing an egg, so there is nothing for sperm to fertilise.

Most common contraceptives

1. Barrier contraceptives

Barrier contraceptives physically block sperm from getting to the egg. Condoms are the most common barrier contraceptives. There are two main types of condoms: external and internal.

• External condoms: Latex or soft plastic cover worn over the penis during sex. It stops sperm from going into the vagina.
• Internal condoms: Loose-fitting synthetic rubber pouch with flexible rings on either side. One ring goes inside the vagina; the other sits on the outside. It works by lining the internal walls to block sperm from getting to an egg.

Both internal and external condoms help stop the spread of STIs. This is because they reduce the contact between intimate body parts. If your teen has sex with someone of the same sex, they should still use barrier protection to prevent STIs.

Condoms are cheap, easy to use, and sold at supermarkets and pharmacies. Anyone can buy them – your teen does not need to be a certain age. A condom-safe lubricant can reduce the small risk of a condom breaking.

2. Hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives use hormones similar to what the body already makes to prevent pregnancy. They can do this in a few ways, such as:

• stopping the body from ovulating (releasing an egg). The body cannot get pregnant without an egg for sperm to fertilise.
• thickening the cervical mucus (discharge) from the cervix to block sperm from getting into the uterus and reaching an egg.
• thinning the uterus lining so a fertilised egg is less likely to develop into a pregnancy.

Some teens start hormonal contraceptives for other health reasons, like irregular, heavy or painful periods.

Your teen will need a prescription to get hormonal contraceptives. They should talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of each hormonal option before they choose any.

The three most common types are:

The pill (oral contraceptive pill)

• Most common hormonal method prescribed for young people.
• Daily tablet containing hormones to prevent pregnancy.
• Two main types of oral contraceptive pills: a 'combined pill' with two hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) and a pill with one hormone (progestogen).

Vaginal ring

• Soft and flexible ring that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
• Inserted into the vagina like a tampon.
• Stays in the vagina for three weeks; removing it triggers a period.
• Contains two hormones (progestogen and oestrogen).

Injection

• Injection that contains a hormone to prevent pregnancy.
• Given by a health professional.
• Helps prevent pregnancy for three months.
• Contains one hormone (progestogen).

Hormonal contraceptives help protect from pregnancy, but they do not stop STIs. Your teen should still use condoms during sex if they are on hormonal contraceptives.

3. Long-acting reversible contraceptives

Long-acting reversible contraceptives prevent pregnancy for longer. They are a ‘set and forget’ option. Once a health professional puts in a long-acting reversible contraceptive, your teen does not need to do anything until it runs out. If your teen changes their mind, they can get it removed at any time.

As with hormonal options, your teen should talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of each long-acting reversible contraceptive.

The two main types are:

Implant

• Small, thin and flexible plastic rod that releases a hormone to prevent pregnancy.
• Sits under the skin of the upper arm.
• Helps prevent pregnancy for up to three years.
• Contains one hormone (a form of progestogen).

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

• Small and flexible T-shaped device that prevents pregnancy.
• Sits in the uterus.
• Helps prevent pregnancy for eight to 10 years, depending on the type.
• Two types of IUDs: hormonal (a form of progestogen) and non-hormonal (made of copper).

Long-acting reversible contraceptives will not stop your teen from getting STIs. They should still use barrier contraceptives during sex if they have a long-acting reversible contraceptive.

Emergency contraceptive pill (morning-after pill)

The emergency contraceptive pill is a tablet sold at pharmacies that prevents pregnancy. There are no age restrictions for buying the emergency contraceptive pill, and teens do not require a prescription or your consent to get it.

The emergency contraceptive pill does not protect against STIs.

Your teen may take the emergency contraceptive pill if they had unprotected sex or a condom broke, and they are worried they could get pregnant. For the pill to work, your teen must take it within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex. The sooner they take it, the better.

Other ways to prevent pregnancy

Some people try other ways to prevent pregnancy, such as the ‘pull-out’ (withdrawal) method or tracking menstrual cycles to avoid sex on fertile days. These methods are not reliable – especially for teens.

• In the pull-out method, the penis comes out of the vagina before ejaculation. It is easy to get wrong, particularly under pressure. However, even if done correctly, the fluid that comes out of the penis before ejaculation can still have sperm in it.
• The fertility tracking method is about monitoring menstrual cycles each month and recording changes like body temperature, then avoiding sex when there are signs of ovulation. Adults can misread cycle changes, but it is even harder for teens, as many have irregular cycles.

How good are contraceptives at preventing pregnancy?

Some types of protection are better at preventing pregnancy than others.

A contraceptive's 'effectiveness' is how well it works. It is usually a percentage based on 'typical use’ – this is how good it is in real life, where people may forget to take a pill or make mistakes. Contraceptives usually get better at preventing pregnancy when used correctly.

Here is a breakdown of common contraceptives and how effective they are:

Advice on contraception for teens

There are lots of places for teens to get advice about contraception. In most cases, they do not have to be 18 years old or need your consent.

• Doctors: Your teen’s doctor can talk them through their options, give advice and write a prescription for contraceptives if required.
• Sexual health clinics (also called family planning clinics): In Australia, sexual health clinics can give expert advice and offer STI testing and treatment.
• School nurse: Many school nurses can advise on sexual health.
• Youth health services: There are clinics or programs for young people aged 12 to 25 years that offer free or low-cost advice on various health concerns, including contraception.

For more information

• Speak with your teen’s doctor
• Family Planning Alliance Australia
• Better Health Channel: Talking to children and young people about relationships, sex and sexuality
• Raising Children Network: Teen sexual health information and links
• Raising Children Network: Difficult conversations with teens
• Health Direct: ‘Morning after’ pill
• Reach Out Australia: Relationships
• Young Deadly Free: Resources
• Women’s Health Victoria: 1800 My Options
• Transhub: Contraception

Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Adolescent Medicine department, with input from the Gynaecology department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Reviewed August 2025

Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.