Dear eminem,

The birth control pill, patch, and ring usually cost about $20-$40 per month. The birth control shot costs about $35-$70 per shot. The shot protects against pregnancy for 12 weeks.

Some clinicians require that women have exams before they are prescribed hormonal birth control, and others do not. If needed, an exam usually costs about $35-$175.

Many Planned Parenthood health centers offer reduced-fee services to teens with little or no income. To find out about birth control costs at a Planned Parenthood health center near you, call 1-800-230-PLAN.

For information on the costs of other methods of birth control, check out Birth Control Choices for Teens.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.