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health & safety topics

Your child's health and safety is our top priority. Please search our resource library for information on health, nutrition, fitness, injury prevention and other important topics.

Sexual Development

Birth Control: Abstinence

Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Abstinence also protects people against STDs.

Birth Control: Birth Control Rings

Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

Birth Control: Cervical Caps

The cervical cap covers the cervix so sperm can't get in and fertilize an egg. It's not usually recommended for most young women and teens because it can be very hard to insert correctly.

Birth Control: Condoms

Condoms are thin pouches that keep sperm from getting into the vagina. There are male condoms and female condoms.

Birth Control: Diaphragms

A diaphragm may be a birth control good option for young women who can take responsibility in advance. Find out more.

Birth Control: Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex; for example, if a condom breaks or slips off during sex.

Birth Control: Fertility Awareness

Fertility awareness is a way to try to prevent pregnancy by not having sex around the time of ovulation. It is not a reliable birth control method for most people.

Birth Control: Implantable Contraception

Learn what implantable contraception is, how well it works, and more.

Birth Control: IUDs

An IUD is a piece of T-shaped plastic placed inside the uterus. It's a good birth control option because it lasts for many years, needs no daily care, and is very effective at preventing pregnancy.

Birth Control: Spermicide

Spermicides should be used with another birth control method, such as condoms or a diaphragm. They be used alone but are not very effective that way.