First of all, the most important thing is, you have to be open with your teen about their changing body and sex. I know it can be stressful but at the same time, it is important. You should start discussing about these tings long before you think they are ready to have sex. It is better if your teen comes up to you rather than relying on their friends or online sources to seek information about sex. Talk to them about what they know about sex and if they know how pregnancy can be prevented, what are the ways etc.

In this article:

What is a Birth Control Pill?
Benefits of Birth Control Pills
Risk of Birth Control Pills
Protection against STDs
Warning for Birth Control Pill Use

Things to Know before Giving Birth Control Pills to Teenage Daughter

What is a Birth Control Pill?

It is a daily pill that contains hormones resulting in a change in the way the body works and prevent pregnancy. Most of the birth control pills are ‘combination pills’, which is a mix of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation. However, it also works by thickening the mucus around the cervix, making it difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus and reach any released eggs.

Benefits of Birth Control Pills

There a number of benefits to using birth control pills. We have listed a few of them below:

• As per the studies, birth control pill leads to lower rates of pelvic inflammatory disease and cancer in the uterus and ovaries.
• Some birth control pills improve acne or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
• There is less pain, bleeding and severity of endometriosis and fibroid tumors is also less.
• There are a variety of birth control pills. For instance, progestin-only versions of the pill, if you cannot use estrogen due to medical reasons or, is breastfeeding.
• During monthly period, birth control pills leads to lighter bleeding as well as decreased pain.
• Progestin-only pills are believed to cause breast pain, weight gain, less nausea and mood changes than other combination birth control pills. There is no research yet that reveals that progestin-only pill causes depression, headaches or weight gain.

Risk of Birth Control Pills

It is generally considered a safe method of birth control. However, we have listed below a few disadvantages of birth control pill.

• The birth control pill may not be affordable for all teenagers. There are generic birth control pills that are less expensive.
• In birth control pills with estrogen, there is a higher risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke in women who smoke, especially in those over 35 years of age.
• It may get difficult for a teenager to take a pill every day. You may need to use another form of birth control if you miss a pill.
• It does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. Only a condom can do that.
• Drug interactions can lower the effectiveness of birth control pills.
• It can lead to breast pain or vaginal dryness, which may continue with use or subside.
• It may take a few months or even longer to begin ovulating again after you stop taking the pill.
• For the first few months of birth control use, spotting may occur as your body adjusts to the changes in the hormone levels.it may get even worse with continuous-cycle or extended birth control pills or progestin-only pills.
• There is a <1% failure rate, if the pill is used correctly. However, the rate goes up to 5% if you miss on taking a pill.

Some of the Common Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

• Mood changes
• Possible weight gain or fluid retention
• Breast swelling or tenderness
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Spotting between periods

Some of the Serious Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

• Swelling or pain in the legs
• Blurred vision
• Severe headache
• Chest pain, blood clots, heart attack, stroke
• Severe stomach pain

Protection against STDs

It is very important for the couple to use condoms along with the pill so as to prevent STDs. The birth control pills do not provide any protection against STDs.

Warning for Birth Control Pill Use

In case you have had any history of the following, it is advised you should avoid using it:

• Breast cancer
• Liver tumors or liver disease
• Increased clotting or stroke risk
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Endometrial cancer

If pregnant

You should also avoid combination hormonal birth control if you have had a history of:

• Blood clots or stroke
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Chest pain
• Severe headaches
• Heart or liver disease

Conclusion

While some teenagers may not be able to use birth control pills because of their medical conditions, there are others who may be at a higher risk of side effects due to age or other factors. Remember, you will be required a prescription from a health care provider. You must also make sure that your teen has a regular check-up with the doctor.

Reference

http://sciencenordic.com/can-birth-control-pills-make-teens-depressed

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK219233/