How Can Minors Get Birth Control?

People under the age of 18 in some states may need parental consent to get some forms of birth control. If you are a teenager who chooses to have sexual intercourse, birth control is the only way to help prevent unwanted pregnancy. If you live in a state that requires parental consent for minors under 18 to obtain some forms of birth control, there are still many choices available to protect you from pregnancy.

Natural Methods

• Natural birth control methods such as abstinence, practicing outercourse, withdrawal and fertility awareness methods protect against pregnancy at varying rates of effectiveness and are available to anyone, including minors. Abstinence protects against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases 100 percent, but may not be the preferred choice for everyone. Many couples make mistakes using natural birth control methods, resulting in pregnancy up to 25 percent of the time, according to Planned Parenthood.

Barrier Methods

• Minors can get condoms at drug stores and supermarkets without parental consent. Condoms are inexpensive and help protect teens from sexually transmitted diseases. Some retailers also sell female condoms that fit inside the woman's body and take the pressure off the man to maintain an erection while putting on a condom.

  Diaphragms and cervical caps fit inside the vagina and block sperm from reach the opening of the cervix where it can fertilize an egg. Diaphragms and cervical caps are only available with a doctor's prescription, and do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

  Spermicide, a drug that kills sperm, preventing it from fertilizing an egg and causing pregnancy, increases the effectiveness of barrier birth control methods. Drug stores and supermarkets sell spermicide over the counter. Some couples use spermicide alone, which allows a pregnancy to occur in 15 percent to 29 percent of women.

  The contraceptive sponge contains spermicide and prevents pregnancy for up to 24 hours while inserted in the vagina. Purchase a contraceptive sponge in drug stores or grocery stores without a prescription. The contraceptive sponge prevents pregnancy in 68 percent to 91 percent of people who use it, but does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Hormonal Methods

• Hormonal birth control methods such as the birth control pill or shot require a doctor's prescription. Minors under 18 may need a parent's permission in some states to obtain a prescription for birth control. The birth control pill and other hormonal birth control methods do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

  Even if your state doesn't require a parent's permission to obtain a birth control prescription, talk to your parents about birth control. If you need a prescription for birth control, your parents may be able to help you obtain it or pay for it. Explain the additional health benefits of the birth control pill like controlling acne and regulating monthly cycles. If you cannot talk to your parents, call a confidential clinic in your area and ask about their rules for dispensing birth control to minors. Disclose fully all your health information to the clinic, including allergies and sexual history.