You're just a guy.  What can you do about birth control?  Plenty!  From using condoms to helping your partner use her birth control, there are many things you can do to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. 

1.  Don't have sex without it.

• This is the most important thing you can do!
• If you don't have a condom, or your partner forgets to use her birth control, don't have sex. Wait until you are protected. 
• For the best protection against unplanned pregnancy, use birth control correctly and every time you have sex.

2.  Bring up the subject.

• Talk to your partner about birth control before you have sex.
• It takes courage to bring up the subject. And, it shows respect for yourself and your partner.

3.  Learn about the different types of birth control.

• Learning about birth control can help you make good choices and help you use it correctly.
• Go to a clinic or doctor so that you can learn firsthand about different methods.  You can also get information from brochures or at a health website. 

COMMON TYPES OF BIRTH CONTROL:

• Latex condoms
• Female condoms
• Hormone methods like pills, patches and shots
• Diaphragms, caps, shields or IUDs.

 4.  Use condoms.

• Condoms are the main type of birth control that a guy can use.
• Condoms are inexpensive, easy to use and you can get them without a prescription.
• Latex condoms reduce your risk of sexually transmitted diseases or infections, including HIV.
• You can get condoms at drug stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, family planning and STD clinics, and through vending machines.
• TIP:  If you are new to using condoms, practicing ahead of time (on yourself or a similarly shaped object) can help build your confidence.

5.  Go to a clinic or doctor with your partner.

• For birth control methods other than condoms, your partner will need to visit a doctor or family planning clinic. 
• Offer to go with her to get birth control.  You will be supporting her, and you can learn more about the method you are using.
• Even if you are using condoms, both you and your partner should have regular check-ups for sexual health.

6.  Pay for birth control.

• Offer to pay for or share the cost of prescriptions, too.  Offer to pick up prescriptions.

7.  Help your partner use her birth control.

• Ask your partner how you can help.
• Ask if she would like to be reminded to use her birth control. 
• You can remind her to take her pills, change the patch, or keep appointments for shots.  You can help her remember to put in her diaphragm or cervical cap.

8.  Talk about pregnancy - just in case.

• What would happen if your partner did get pregnant? 
• Talking about pregnancy will help you both remember to use birth control and will show that you care.

9.  Talk to other men.

• If birth control is a shared responsibility, you'll both benefit.
• By using birth control, you'll be more in control (and less likely to have an unplanned pregnancy).
• If you and your partner are less worried about getting pregnant you may even have better sex!