Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Abstinence also protects people against STDs.

Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to learn what birth control pills are, how well they work, and more.

Some birth control methods work better than others. This chart compares how well different birth control methods work.

Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Learn what the birth control patch is, how well it works, and more.

A woman places the birth control ring in her vagina where it slowly releases hormones into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.

Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article about the birth control shot and find out how it works - and how well.

Before having sex, it’s important to know about birth control and protecting against unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Some people clean their vagina after having sex to prevent pregnancy, but it won’t work. If you decide to have sex, use reliable birth control instead.

Condoms may be a good birth control option for couples who are responsible enough to use one each time and people who want protection against STDs.

If you’re just talking with your doctor about birth control, you don’t need a pelvic exam. But you will need one for some kinds of birth control, like diaphragms.

Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex; for example, if a condom breaks or slips off during sex. It is also available to teens who are forced to have unprotected sex.

Learn what the fertility awareness (rhythm method) of birth control is and how it works - and some of the reasons why it might not work for teens.

Condoms can sometimes rip or tear. Here's what can help prevent that.

Condoms can help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Learn how to use condoms correctly to keep you and your partner safe.

Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Find out what implantable contraception is, how well it works, and more.

Spermicides should be used with another birth control method, such as condoms or a diaphragm. They be used alone but are not very effective that way.

Some people are embarrassed by the topic of condoms. Here are some tips for talking about condoms with your partner.

Find out why it's important to talk about sex with your partner and how to have that conversation.

Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article about the cervical cap to find out if it's right for you and how well it works.

Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. A diaphragm may be a birth control good option for a young woman who can take responsibility in advance.

Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Learn more about the IUD and to find out how well it works for teens.

A finger condom (also called a finger cot) is a thin pouch made of a stretchy material like latex. It’s placed over a finger and is often used to help prevent infection.

Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Learn about withdrawal - and whether it's effective at preventing pregnancy and STDs.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection. It’s mild, but it can cause serious problems if it’s not treated. Learn the symptoms and what to do.

If you don't feel like you can talk with your parents about getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), here are some tips on how to keep it private.

Chlamydia is an STD that often has no symptoms, so lots of people can have it and not know it. Read this article to learn how to protect yourself.

The doctor or nurse practitioner will decide if you need a pelvic exam based on your medical history and physical health.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). There's no cure for genital herpes, but medicines can help control it.

You've probably heard lots about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. For information on how to protect yourself and how to treat genital warts, read this article.

The STD gonorrhea can be very dangerous if it's not treated, even in someone who has mild or no symptoms. For information about how to protect yourself, read this article.

Hepatitis, an infectious liver disease, is more contagious than HIV. Find out about the different types of hepatitis.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through blood or other body fluids, and can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. The most common way people become infected is by sharing drug paraphernalia.

There is no cure for AIDS, which is why prevention is so important. Get the facts on HIV/AIDS, as well as how it affects the body and is treated, in this article.

AIDS can happen after someone has had HIV for many years and isn’t treated. But not all people with HIV will develop AIDS. Learn how HIV spreads.

If you think you might have HIV, it’s a good idea to get tested. Learn how to get checked, how testing works, and who knows the results.

Condoms can help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Learn how to use condoms correctly to keep you and your partner safe.

The HPV vaccine can help protect against the virus that causes genital warts and may lead to some kinds of cancer. Find out more in this article for teens.

Vaginal discharge keeps the vagina clean and moist, and helps prevent and fight infections. Some changes are normal but others may mean there’s a problem.

Pelvic inflammatory disease, sometimes called PID, is an infection of the fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, or ovaries. Learn how to protect yourself.

Pubic lice, or "crabs," are tiny insects that usually spread through sex.

You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. Find out how to protect yourself.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Early treatment can cure it and prevent long-term problems.

Some people are embarrassed by the topic of condoms. Here are some tips for talking about condoms with your partner.

You know you should talk about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) before the action starts. But what if the thought of having "the talk" makes you nervous? These tips can help.

Find out why it's important to talk about sex with your partner and how to have that conversation.

If you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), it’s best for your partner or any past partners to hear it from you. Here’s how to have the talk.

Trichomoniasis is a curable disease that can be passed from one person to another during sex. The good news is that it can be prevented. Read about how to protect yourself.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common reasons that teens visit a doctor. Learn about the symptoms of UTIs, how they're treated, and more in this article.

What are vaginal yeast infections? Can anything be done to prevent them?

A finger condom (also called a finger cot) is a thin pouch made of a stretchy material like latex. It’s placed over a finger and is often used to help prevent infection.

Adolescent medicine doctors are specialists who have extra training in the medical and emotional issues that many teens face.

Periods can be confusing. Get the facts in this article for teens.

Concerned about your growth or development? Puberty can be delayed for several reasons. Luckily, doctors usually can help teens with delayed puberty to develop more normally.

Wondering what you can do to feel as clean as possible "down there"? Read this article for the facts on douches, wipes, and other feminine hygiene products.

Why do girls get periods? What goes on when a woman gets pregnant? What can go wrong with the female reproductive system? Find the answers to these questions and more in this article for teens.

This slideshow explains how the female reproductive system works.

Puberty can be confusing, especially when unexpected changes happen. Learn what gynecomastia is and why it happens.

The testicular self-examination (TSE) is an easy way for guys to check their own testicles to make sure there aren't any unusual lumps or bumps - which are usually the first sign of testicular cancer.

Wondering whether it's normal to have irregular periods? Get the facts about this common problem.

If you've ever had an erection in an embarrassing situation, you've probably asked yourself this question. But erections are perfectly normal, especially during puberty.

Just about every guy wonders about the size of his penis at one time or another.

What makes up a guy's reproductive system and how does it develop? Find the answers to these questions and more.

Get the facts on which period problems are normal and which ones might indicate something's going on.

Voice cracking? Clothes don't fit? Puberty can be a confusing time, but learning about it doesn't have to be. Read all about it.

When you're a teen, your body changes — this is part of growing up. You will have to learn new routines to keep yourself clean and healthy. Here's what to expect.

Learning to take care of your body is part of growing up. Here's what you need to do to keep your body clean and healthy.

People who play a role in their own health care make better decisions and stay healthier. Here are tips for teens on how (and why) to build a bond with your doctor.

When it comes to pads and tampons, there are lots of choices. It may take some experimenting before you find what works best for you. Here are some tips.

Lots of girls and guys worry about when their bodies will develop. The fact is that physical development starts at different times and moves along at different rates in normal kids.

It's quite common for girls to have different-sized breasts, especially as they develop during puberty. If you're worried about how your breasts are developing, check out this article.

Breast soreness is common as your body develops, but it's rarely serious. Find out why your breasts may hurt and what you can do about it.

At puberty, guys' bodies begin producing a lot of the hormone testosterone, which causes changes in several parts of the body, including the voice.

When you're a teen, your body changes. This part of growing up. It's called puberty. Here's what to expect.

Now that you're older, your body may be changing. This is a normal part of growing up. Here's what's going on.