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What is Safe Sex?
Birth Control Methods and Protection
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Refers to anything a couple uses to prevent getting or passing on a Sexually Transmitted infection (STI). Back to top


A “Birth Control Method” refers to anything that a couple uses to prevent pregnancy. You may have heard of some myths about preventing pregnancy and getting an STI, such as “You can’t get pregnant the first time you get sex” or “If the girl pees after sex, she can’t get pregnant—“ or “You can’t get pregnant if the man pulls out before coming inside the woman (also known as the withdrawal method)—“ These are myths and there are a lot out there. Listed here are Birth Control and Protection Methods that work and are most popular among teens.


For every Protection or Birth Control Method, there’s something called an Effectiveness Rate-- this refers to how effective or successful a method is at preventing Pregnancy or Sexually Transmitted Infections. For an effectiveness rate of 98%, that means that out of 100 couples using that method, 98 couples won’t get pregnant, but two might. You should also keep in mind that in order for a method to work well for you, you have to use it correctly every time you use it. Back to top


Abstinence is the act of not taking part in any sexual activity.

By abstaining from all types of sexual activity you can be assured that it is 100% effective at preventing the transmission of STIs and unplanned pregnancies. What people like about this method: Some people like this method because it may be there way of waiting for marriage or that special someone. Another thing people may like is that you wouldn’t have to deal with the responsibility that goes with engaging in sexual activity, like possible pregnancy or being at risk for STIs.

Some people may not want to abstain from sex, so this wouldn’t suit their needs and wants. Abstinence is possible because of will power and effort; some people may not want to put forth the effort.

You give it to yourself. Then pat yourself on the back for doing what you think is right.

It costs…NOTHING!

Sex is not the only way to show you care or love someone. Find alternatives to expressing your emotions towards each other. Just because you are abstaining from sex, does not mean you can’t have physical contact. You can still kiss, hug, cuddle, and hold hands with your partner. Waiting to have sex with your partner can allow you to get to know each other better and increase intimacy, and also show that you care and respect your partner and yourself by not doing something that you don’t feel ready to do. Back to top


The birth control pill and the birth control patch are both hormonal methods, which contain a mixture of estrogen and progesterone, and are made for women. A woman takes the pill everyday at about the same time. She wears the patch for the whole week and changes it every week. She doesn’t wear the patch on the fourth week.

The birth control pill and the birth control patch are both 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy, when used perfectly. Every time you miss a pill or forget to put on your patch you lower the effectiveness substantially. The birth control pill and birth control patch DOES NOT protect against STIs.

People like the Pill because it is good at preventing pregnancy, and it makes a woman’s period lighter. It can be very confidential because you can take it at home or in a private place. People like the Patch because they don’t have to worry about remembering to take a pill everyday, and it is as effective as the birth control pill at preventing pregnancy.

Sometimes it can be tough to remember to take a pill everyday and the patch may not be confidential enough because someone could see it on your body. There are negative side effects, like possible nausea, dizziness, and headaches when a woman first starts using these methods.

We offer these contraceptives here at Asian Pacific Health Care Venture and you can get them at most health clinics.

California has a program that pays for these services. This program is called Family Pact and if you are at least 12 years old you may be eligible for this program, which pays for these contraceptives.

For the Pill it may help to take the pill as a part of your already set routine. For example, if you go to sleep everyday at 10:00pm you can take your pill every night before you go to bed, this will help you remember. For the Patch it is important to change spots when you put on your new patch. For example, if you wear your week one patch on your right arm, you would want to wear your week two patch on your left arm or any of the other spots. The hormones are absorbed through your skin and by changing spots you keep your skin from getting irritated.Back to top


The Depo Shot or birth control shot is a hormonal method, which contains only progesterone, and is made for women. Women get the shot every 12 weeks.

The Birth Control Shot is 99.9% effective.

Most people like the privacy that this method offers, because you don’t have to take pills or wear patches. All you have to do is go every three months to get your shot. Many women who are on the Depo Shot do not get their period every month or not at all. Some people like this because they don’t want to deal with getting their period.

The side effects can be a little bit rougher because your body doesn’t get a break from the hormones. If you are having side effects with the patch or the pill you can just stop wearing the patch or stop taking the pill. But with the shot, the hormones will be in your body until the three months are over.

The biggest tip would have to be, don’t forget when you’re appointment for your next depo shot is coming up. If you do forget and miss your appointment, you will have to start all over.Back to top


The male condom is made of latex and goes over an erect penis, which creates a barrier containing the male’s sperm inside of it. A man should only use one male condom at a time, never use two, because this increases the risk that one will rip.

The male condom is 97% effective at preventing pregnancy and the transmission of STIs when used perfectly. For the typical user-- that means if you don’t use the male condom every time you have sex, or you put it on wrong, or it breaks-- the male condom is 87% effective. Because we are all human and we mess up sometimes, it’s important to note that we are “typical users.” This method protects against BOTH pregnancy and STIs.

People like this method because it protects from both pregnancy and STIs and is easy to carry and use.

Some people don’t like this method because they say it doesn’t feel as good and it can be hard stopping to put one on.

Make sure to check the expiration date and to put it on the correct way. Always use latex condoms, never animal skin condoms, because they better protect you against STIs and pregnancy. For increased pleasure, you can use more lube. If you or your partner complain of less sensation when using the male condom, try different brands or types such as “extra-sensitive” or “increased pleasure."Back to top


The female condom is made of a very thin and strong material called polyurethane. It’s baggy and has a ring on the inside to help with insertion. You squeeze the ring and insert it into the vagina and it rests in the back of the vagina against the cervix. The female condom can also be used in the anus for anal sex (But don’t use the same female condom for both vaginal and anal sex, use a new one!)

The female condom is 95% effective when used perfectly, and 80% effective for typical use. The female condom protects against BOTH pregnancy and STI’s.

People like this method because it’s a good option if either partner is allergic to latex.

This method can be a bit clumsy at times, you have to hold the opening to the female condom to ensure that the penis is inserted into the condom instead of around it.

Like the male condom, checking the expiration date is important. Make sure you insert the penis into the female condom without pushing it to the side. Never use a male condom and a female condom when having sex with your partner. This increases the risk of one or both of the condoms breaking.Back to top


After unprotected sex, you still have up to 5 days to prevent an unwanted pregnancy with Emergency Contraceptive Pills. Emergency contraceptive pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, and are made for women.

ECP is up to 95% effective if taken in the first 24 hours. It is up to 75% effective if taken between the 3rd-5th day. ECP is most effective the sooner you take it after unprotected sex. ECP DOES NOT protect against STI’s.

It’s pretty good lowering your risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex.

Taking ECP may throw a woman off her regular period cycle—that means she may get her period sooner than expected or later. Some women may also feel a little nauseous after taking ECP.

ECP is intended for emergencies only. It should not be used as your regular form of birth control, besides, it’s not as effective as other birth control methods. If you tend to feel sick to your stomach easily, take ECP with a small meal or crackers, or take medicine that counteracts nausea.


You can get all these Birth Control and Protection Methods at Asian Pacific Health Care Venture for FREE!!

California has a program that pays for these services. This program is called Family Pact and if you are at least 12 years old you may be eligible for this program, which pays for these contraceptives and other sensitive services such as Pap Smears, STI testing, and pregnancy tests. All these services are CONFIDENTIAL—that means no one can find out about it. Back to top