Assuming you’re specifically asking because you want to prevent pregnancy, it’s best to go on the birth control pill as soon as possible before you decide to start having sex. While it’s a good idea to talk to your parents about starting a new form of birth control, you don’t need parental permission to go on the pill. All that’s necessary is the prescription from a Planned Parenthood health center, a clinic, or a private health care provider.

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Keep in mind that the pill is a complicated form of medication that effects all gURLs differently, since they’re literally little tabs of hormones that control how different parts of our bodies function.  For in-depth information about the pill and exactly how it works, check out Planned Parenthood’s website.

And while it’s great–really great!–that you’re taking steps to protect yourself from getting pregnant, remember that the pill, though very effective, is never 100% perfect. It also doesn’t guard you from contracting sexually transmitted diseases. In order to practice safer sex and reduce the risk of STD’s, be sure to use the pill with another form of protection, like condoms.

Do any gURLs out there have advice of their own? I’d love to hear what you think.

take care,
heather

What’s on your mind? Heather can help! Send her your question at heather@gurl.com.

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