Plain-language information about relationships, birth control, testing and pregnancy, checked against public health sources. Use it to get informed, then talk with a clinician you trust about your own care.
Consent & relationships
Consent is clear, freely given and ongoing.
Consent means everyone involved agrees to what’s happening, every time. It can’t be assumed from silence, from a past relationship or from what someone is wearing, and anyone can change their mind at any point.
Freely given: no pressure, guilt, threats or tricks.
Clear: a real yes, not a maybe, a shrug or silence.
Ongoing: checked again as things change, and always OK to take back.
Possible only when someone can decide: a person who is asleep, passed out, or very drunk or high can’t consent.
In a healthy relationship you feel safe, respected and free to be yourself. Checking your phone, controlling who you see, or pushing you about sex are warning signs, even when they’re called love.
Something feel off? love is respect talks with young people about dating and relationships 24/7: call 1-866-331-9474 or text LOVEIS to 22522. For local help, see safety resources.
Birth control
There’s a method for almost every life.
Methods differ in how well they work, how often you have to think about them and whether you need a clinician to start. The numbers show about how many people out of 100 get pregnant in a year of typical use, meaning how people actually use a method, according to the CDC.
Most effectiveFewer than 1 in 100
The implant (0.1), hormonal IUDs (0.1 to 0.4) and the copper IUD (0.8) work for years once a clinician places them. Sterilization is also in this group.
Very effective with a routineAbout 4 to 7 in 100
The shot (4), given every three months, and the pill, patch and ring (7 each), which need to be taken or changed on schedule.
Used every timeAbout 13 to 21 in 100
External condoms (13), internal condoms (21) and spermicide (21). Fertility-awareness methods range from 2 to 23, depending on the method and how consistently it’s used.
Only condoms also lower the risk of STIs. They lower it but don’t remove it, and lambskin condoms don’t protect against STIs. Many people use condoms along with another method.
In Washington, people of any age can get birth control without a parent’s permission. Apple Health’s Family Planning Only coverage can pay for it, with a confidential option for insured people 26 or younger.
Emergency contraception
Had sex without protection? You still have options.
Emergency contraception (EC) can prevent pregnancy after sex without birth control, or when a method fails, like a condom that breaks. The sooner you use it, the better it works.
Levonorgestrel pillPlan B One-Step and generics
Sold over the counter with no prescription and no age limit. Take it as soon as possible: the label says within 72 hours (3 days). It may still help up to 5 days after sex, but it works less well each day, and Washington’s Department of Health notes it may work less well for people who weigh 155 pounds or more.
EllaUlipristal, by prescription
Works up to 5 days after sex, and works as well on day 5 as on day 1.
Copper IUDPlaced by a clinician
The most effective option, at any body weight. It can be placed within 5 days after sex and then kept as ongoing birth control.
EC prevents pregnancy. It does not affect a pregnancy that has already started. Apple Health covers EC at the pharmacy counter without a prescription, and every Washington hospital emergency room offers it to sexual assault survivors.
STIs & testing
Testing is quick, common and nothing to be embarrassed about.
Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know. A visit usually means a urine sample, a swab or a quick blood test.
Everyone 13 to 64 should be tested for HIV at least once.
Sexually active women under 25 should be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea every year.
Gay and bisexual men should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV at least once a year, and more often with multiple or anonymous partners.
Pregnant people should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C early in pregnancy.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis can be cured with medicine. Herpes, HIV and hepatitis B can’t be cured, but they can be managed with treatment, and most HPV infections clear on their own within two years.
In Washington, anyone 14 or older can get STI and HIV testing and treatment without a parent’s permission.
Whatever you’re feeling, take it one step at a time.
Take a test. Home tests are most accurate starting the day after a missed period, and more accurate a week later. If it’s negative and you still think you might be pregnant, test again in a few days.
See a clinician. They can confirm the pregnancy, check on your health and talk through your options and next steps with you.
Get covered. Apple Health covers pregnancy care for Washington residents who qualify by income, regardless of immigration status, and keeps covering you for 12 months after the pregnancy ends. Apply at wahealthplanfinder.org or call 1-855-923-4633.
Care for yourself early. If you could become pregnant, the U.S. Public Health Service recommends 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, to help prevent major birth defects of the brain and spine. A clinician can help you plan prenatal visits and where to give birth.
Lean on support. The Help Me Grow Washington Hotline, 1-800-322-2588, helps families find food, WIC, health coverage, baby supplies and parenting support. And you can always ask us.
Washington’s Safe Haven law: a parent can safely leave a newborn less than 72 hours old with staff at a hospital emergency department, at a fire station while firefighters are there, or at a federally designated rural health clinic during its hours. No name is required, and the parent won’t be prosecuted for abandonment.
Your rights under 18
What you can get on your own in Washington.
Any age
Birth controlIncluding emergency contraception.
Any age
Pregnancy testing & prenatal careCare during a pregnancy.
14+
STI & HIV testing and treatmentIncluding medicine to prevent HIV (PrEP and PEP).
13+
Mental health counselingOutpatient care.
13+
Substance use treatmentOutpatient care.
When you consent to your own care, you control who sees those health records.
Two things to know. If you’re on a parent’s insurance, the insurer may mail a statement to the policyholder. Apple Health doesn’t send these for teens 13 to 18, and Washington’s Insurance Commissioner has a form to ask any insurer to send your information somewhere else. And a clinician may need to involve others if someone is hurting you, if you might hurt yourself or someone else, or if a partner is much older than you.
Browsing privately
Keep your search to yourself.
Use a private or incognito window, so this site doesn’t show up in your browser history.
The Quick exit button, or pressing Esc twice, jumps straight to Google. It can’t erase your history, so clear it afterward if someone else uses your device.
If you think someone checks your phone or email, a library computer may be a safer place to look things up.
When you write to us, use an email address only you can open.
Common questions
Asked and answered.
Will anyone find out if I ask OISHA a question?
We only use what you send to reply to you, and we don’t share your questions. If you’re on a shared phone or computer, see browsing privately.
Can I get birth control without my parents knowing?
In Washington, people of any age can get birth control without a parent’s permission. If you’re on a parent’s insurance, read the note about insurance statements under your rights. Family Planning Only coverage has a confidential option for insured people 26 or younger.
How much does care cost?
Often little or nothing. Apple Health and Family Planning Only cover birth control and STI testing for people who qualify, and Washington requires state-regulated health plans to cover over-the-counter birth control, including condoms and emergency contraception, with no copay or prescription. Low-cost family planning clinics also charge on a sliding scale.
Do I have to be having sex to talk to a clinician about this?
No. Anyone can ask about periods, birth control, vaccines, relationships or their body, whether or not they’re sexually active.
I’m pregnant and overwhelmed. Where do I start?
Start with one step: a visit with a clinician, or a message to us. You don’t need to have everything figured out to ask for help. Ask us privately.
Get support
No question is too small. A real person will read it and reply. Prefer email? Write to [email protected].
Thank you. We got your message.
We’ll reply by email as soon as we can. If you need help sooner, call 911, or call or text 988.
