On this page we connect to resources on birth control counseling, youth perspectives, and contraceptive methods, as well as resources specific to New York State. Websites for parents and young people are provided in the sidebars.
For selected statistics on the use of birth control among adolescents, visit Demographics: Sexual Health.
Youth Perspectives and Contraceptive Counseling
PrACTice Matters: Contraceptive Counseling and Methods in Brief
What should contraceptive counselors and educators consider when supporting youth? This article points to several issues, then briefly describes birth control methods. ACT for Youth.
Article
Formatted for Screen ReadersYouth and Family Planning: Findings from a Focus Group Study
What are young people's views of birth control methods and family planning services? This article describes the results of a focus group study conducted in New York State. ACT for Youth.
Whoops Proof Birth Control
This report offers key insights for communicating more effectively with young women about the most effective, low-maintenance forms of birth control. Power to Decide.
Methods
Birth Control Methods in Brief
Intended as background for educators, Birth Control Methods in Brief provides concise descriptions of currently available methods. It is updated periodically. ACT for Youth.
Birth Control Across the Gender Spectrum
This resource explains different birth control methods for people across the gender spectrum, with a focus on the effects of different forms of birth control on those taking gender-affirming hormones such as testosterone. Reproductive Health Access Project.
Contraception information for transgender people
Contraception Options for Adolescents: Basics for Health Educators
This webinar was presented by Dr. Taylor Starr to health educators working in New York State. Dr. Starr is based at the University of Rochester Medical Center, an ACT for Youth partner. Clips describing each method follow an edited version of the full webinar.
| LARC Overview | IUDs |
| Contraceptive Implant | Managing LARC Side Effects |
| Contraceptive Shot | Contraceptive Ring |
| Contraceptive Patch | Contraceptive Pills |
| Condoms | Emergency Contraception |
Beyond the Pill
In partnership with Bedsider, the University of California San Francisco provides educational materials for patients and students, including the effectiveness chart featured in the webinar above, in English and Spanish.
US Medical Eligibility Criteria (US MEC) for Contraceptive Use
On this page, the CDC provides recommendations for using specific contraceptive methods by women and men who have certain characteristics or medical conditions. The recommendations are intended to assist health care providers when they counsel patients about their contraceptive method options.
US MEC Recommendations and Tools
New York State Resources
Family Planning Program Sites
This page serves as a directory for family planning health centers in each New York State county. New York State Department of Health.
Family Planning Benefit Program
The Family Planning Benefit Program (FPBP) is a public health insurance program for New Yorkers who need family planning services but may not be able to afford them. New York State Department of Health.
Key Points for Adolescent Sexual Health Care
This information is intended to help New York State clinicians integrate sexual health care for adolescents into regular practice.