Nowadays, more and more teenagers can't wait to steal the forbidden fruit. And most will say they used some kind of contraception — such as a condom or a pill — when they last had sex.
If your child has sex, you may breathe a sigh of relief when you hear the news.
But the not-so-good news is that teens don't use these conventional methods for contraception every time, or may not use them properly.
So, you might be wondering: What's the best and easiest way to make sure my child doesn't become a parent too early?
Here are the best options recommended by experts.
Image source: Stand Cool Helo
First, the safest method of contraception: abstinence
Abstinence from sex, also known as abstinence, is the only way to ensure that you are not pregnant or infected with sexually transmitted diseases such as the human papilloma virus (HPV). Some HPV can cause cervical cancer.
The best contraceptive methods: IUD and subcutaneous implants
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subcutaneous implants are considered long-acting reversible contraceptives. Doctors usually prefer these methods.
Why? Because there is no need to remember contraception while enjoying sex, and there is no need to take medication on time every day.
The contraceptive effect of these methods is very good. Less than 1 in every 100 women who use IUD and subcutaneous implants become pregnant each year.
Here's a quick look at both methods:
An IUD is a tiny T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus.
Depending on the type, it can be left in the womb for 3 to 10 years. Some IUDRs release hormones, provide more contraceptive protection and relieve dysmenorrhea.
Subcutaneous implants are a plastic rod about the size of a match. It is implanted under the skin of the upper arm and can be contraceptive for up to 3 years.
Both of these methods must be implemented by medical professionals.
But neither approach can prevent sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Male condoms are the best way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Other effective contraceptive methods: contraceptive needles and contraceptive patches
Contraceptive injections are a drug called medroxyprogesterone that contains long-acting progesterone that can last up to 3 months.
If adolescents choose this method of contraception, they need to visit the hospital every 11 to 13 weeks for injections. Girls who use this contraceptive method may experience decreased menstrual flow, as well as weight gain and osteoporosis.
In the first year of this approach, only about 6 out of every 100 people became pregnant. The success rate is much higher than that of the contraceptive pill.
Contraceptive patches – ethinylestradiol/methylprogesterone containing estrogens and progesterone. This method is not foolproof: the user must remember to apply and remove it in time. The patch needs to be attached to the body, usually on the upper arm or back.
Apply the patch continuously for 3 weeks during non-menstrual periods, then remove the patch during week 4 (usually menstruation).
As with other methods, patches can also lead to contraceptive failure. In the first year of use, about 9 out of every 100 people become pregnant. But it's still simpler and easier to use than the pill.
How to choose:
Bring your child with the doctor to discuss what to choose. When choosing, you need to consider:
the child's overall health;
Cultural and religious tendencies;
Effect of contraception;
whether sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented;
Easy to use;
expenses.
Talking to your child about sex and contraception can be embarrassing. You can ask a pediatrician or family doctor to help you with the knowledge, prescribe the necessary prescriptions, or recommend a specialist.
Image source: Tencent Medical Code
While most contraceptive methods require girls to take action, boys should also be held accountable. They should wear condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent girls from getting pregnant and to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are the only way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
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