How Can I Get on the Pill Without Telling My Parents?
I want to start using birth control but I don't want to tell my parents I'm
having sex. Where/how can I get it without them finding out? – Bethany*
It can be hard for teens to talk to their parents about being sexually active.
But surprisingly, many parents are open to discussing sex and birth control, especially
if you show them that you want to act responsibly.
But if you feel like you can't talk to your parents, you can still look into birth
control options and get sexual-health care. Make an appointment with your general
doctor or
. Or you can go to your local Planned Parenthood (or student health center
if your school has one). Don't be afraid to discuss birth control or sex with your
doctor. Thanks to doctor–patient confidentiality, your doc can't talk to your parents
about these topics without your permission.
The Pill is
covered by most health insurance,
but if you are on your parents' plan, they may know if insurance pays for it. If you
want to pay for the Pill yourself, it's about $15 to $50 a month, depending on the
type.
If you do go on the Pill, you still need to make sure your partner always wears
a condom to
protect against STDs. Many Planned
Parenthoods and student centers have condoms for either next-to-nothing or free.
If you've already had sex, make sure to be
tested for STDs. STDs don't always cause symptoms, so people can be infected without
even knowing it.