Many teens have sexual intercourse without birth control or contraception. Preventing pregnancy cannot be correct all the time, so proper knowledge about birth control is must for every teen to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
When to take birth control?
- A male condom should be put on before there is any contact between the male and female reproductive organs. It is to be put on by unrolling it over the erect penis after pulling back the foreskin. It should be used only once. A female condom is inserted like a tampon before sexual intercourse and removed soon after intercourse.
- Oral contraceptive pills in menstruating teens between day 1 to day 5 of the cycle.
- Emergency contraception can be started up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse. The greatest protection occurs if it is given within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
Teens most commonly use condoms and birth control pills which are less effective at preventing pregnancy when not used consistently and correctly. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants known as long-acting reversible contraception (larc) are the most effective types of birth control for teens. Larc is considered safe to use. It does not require taking a pill each day or doing something each time before having sex. It can prevent pregnancy for 3 to 10 years, depending on the method.
Importance of birth control
Condom
- Good protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STD’s such as syphilis gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, moniliasis, nongonococcal urethritis, and infection with chlamydia and herpes virus.
- Only contraceptive that protects against HIV and sexually transmitted hepatitis b virus.
- Reduce the chances of developing cervical dysplasia and cervix cancer.
- Prevent pelvic inflammatory diseases and ectopic pregnancy.
Oral contraceptives pills
- Prevention of ovulation, fertilization, and implantation.
- Prevents cancer of uterine, ovarian, fibroid uterus, ovarian cysts, colorectal cancer, and choriocarcinoma.
- Prevents pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy.
- Beneficial for dysfunctional uterine bleeding and other bleeding problems.
- Treating acne.
- Increased bone density.
Intrauterine contraceptive devices
- Cut380a used as emergency contraception.
- Mirena decreases menstrual blood loss.
- Most effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Safe for teens and suitable for long-term use.
- Does not cause weight gain and infertility.
Emergency contraception
- Breakage or slipping of condoms.
- Forget to get oc pills.
- Not using any birth control method.
Types of birth control
Temporary methods
These are used to postpone pregnancy or space births.
- Barrier method – male condoms, female condoms, today contraceptive/vaginal sponge, vaginal diaphragm/cervical cap
- Natural contraception
- Oral contraceptive pills – 1st generation (norethisterone), 2nd generation (levonorgestrel). 3rd (desogestrel), 4th generation (drospirenone). Also, progestin-only pills.
- Injectables –progesterone such dmpa and norethindrone enanthate
- Implants – progestin such as Implanon
- Devices –iucds – first generation (Lippe’s loop), second-generation (cut), and third-generation (Mirena)
- Emergency contraception – levonorgestrel
Permanent methods
The aim is to purposefully and permanently destroy the reproductive capacity of an individual.
- Female – tubectomy
- Male – vasectomy
Important Precautions
- Overall health of teens
- Encourage teens not to have sex
- Have safe and protected sex
- Cultural and religious preferences
- How well the method prevents pregnancy
- Whether it prevents STDs
- Ease of use and effective
- Cost of birth control options
- May cause irregular bleeding and spotting
- Less common side effects include weight gain, headaches, and acne
- Can cause pain or cramping for a short period of time after insertion
- Condoms can cause contact dermatitis
- Cause uterine prolapse
- Breast pain and dysmenorrhea
Conclusion
It is important to discuss the birth control and contraceptive options with your doctor before using them. Condoms have the advantage of preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Oral contraceptives are probably the most effective in preventing pregnancy. Other options include the barrier contraceptives available to women, spermicides, sponges, intrauterine devices, periodic abstinence, and the morning after pill.
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