Back to the Birth Control Explorer

What it Is 

This one is pretty simple—waiting is exactly what it sounds like: waiting to have sex. That may mean until you’re married or until you’ve found the right person, but either way, you’re choosing not to have intercourse.

How it Works

Step one: don’t have sex. That’s it!

Effectiveness

Waiting is 100% effective (and for the record, this is the only method of birth control that’s 100% effective).

Note: When we talk about effectiveness we mean typical use numbers or what happens when couples used this method of birth control prettywell; it accounts for human errors and occasional contraceptive failure. BUT, teenagers are often not as careful as older people in using these methods, so real typical use rates for teens may be a little worse than what you see here. Keep that in mind as you're looking at the options and remember that for birth control to be effective, you have to use it consistently and correctly every single time.

Major Perks

Super effective; easy to remember; always available; long-term coverage; no doctor visit required; non-hormonal.

Minor Drawbacks

You have to be perfect every single time and it can be hard to say no! And if you change your mind and decide to become sexually active, you have to plan ahead and have some kind of birth control on hand.

Note: Not every woman experiences these drawbacks—they are just some of the ones that are commonly reported. Talk to your doc to learn more and keep in mind that if this method doesn’t work for you, there are LOTS more out there…but it’s best to wait at least six months to see if things get better before you decide to switch. If they don’t, or if you just can’t deal with them, talk with your doctor about finding something that works for you.

Doctor’s Visit Required?

Nope; this one is all on you (and your partner).