You have a wide variety of birth control options, all of which can be very effective in preventing pregnancy when used properly. Here's how to get them and what to do if they are too expensive.

Should I get a prescription for birth control?

It depends on the type you need. Some types of birth control are available over the counter without a prescription:

• Condoms for men and women
• Sponge for vagina
• Spermicide
• Plan B is a one-stage contraceptive pill used in emergencies.

For these options, you need a prescription:

• Birth control pills
• Other emergency contraceptive options
• Ring around the vaginal canal
• A patch of skin

To start taking these prescription birth control methods, you need the help of your doctor or OB / GYN:

Diaphragm: Unless you buy a diaphragm that fits one size, you will need one to fit.

Hormonal shots: Your doctor or nurse will give you an injection every three months. After the first time, you can ask them if they can show you how to handle it yourself.

Doctors insert an IUD (hormonal or non-hormonal) into your ****** during routine surgery.

Implant: Your doctor may need to perform a small operation to place this small hormonal device under the skin of your upper arm.

Do I have to be of a certain age to get birth control?

It depends on your location. Anyone under the age of 18 can use birth control in 23 states and the District of Columbia.

Another 23 states allow only minors and adolescents to use birth control for some reason. Minors may be exempt from specific laws depending on their state:

• They must be at least a certain age.
• He tied the knot.
• They have already given birth to a child or are pre-pregnant.
• They meet prerequisites such as finishing high school.
• His doctor stated that without contraception his health would be in danger.
• The four states have no clear control over whether people under the age of 18 can obtain birth control.

Where can I get birth control for free or at a low cost?

If you have health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, FDA-approved prescription birth control forms for women are covered under your plan. If you have health insurance from your job, it is likely to cover birth control. If not, ask your HR department if you can get the information directly from the insurance carrier.

If your income is low, you do not have health insurance, or your plan does not cover birth control costs, you still have options. You can try:

Department of Health in your city or county. You can call them to find out if any birth control options are less expensive depending on your income. If they do, they may ask you to provide proof of income such as a pay stub, W2 form, or unemployment documents. Teenagers can get free condoms and other forms of birth control from many health care providers.

Clinics for family planning (or reproductive health). Ask them if your local clinic offers low-cost or no-cost birth control. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Data Warehouse's 'Find a Health Center' function can help you locate a local clinic.

Drugstore. Drugs, including birth control pills, are discounted at many major retailers. They can also offer free consultations with a pharmacist who can help you identify low-cost birth control options. Also, if you go for independent ********, they may be willing to negotiate the price with you. In addition, many states and the District of Columbia allow pharmacists to provide birth control with self-administered hormones such as pills, patches, and rings, which saves time and money in the doctor's office.

The Health Center is located on campus. If you are a college student, your campus health facility can provide you with condoms for free or at a discounted price. You may be asked if they offer alternative methods of contraception for free or at a discount, or you may be referred to a clinic where you can.

Apps or Websites for Telemedicine. Some of them offer low-cost video consultations with a doctor or nurse who can write you a pill prescription and send it to your ********. They can offer you an affordable tablet within your budget.