When it comes to navigating teens through the realm of contraception and taking care of their menstrual well-being, parents are the first and most influential educators. It is essential to ensure teens have correct, clear information regarding options for contraception so they can make safe, healthy, and informed decisions in their relationships. This involves knowing how to avoid pregnancy and protect oneself from sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that parents engage in open, honest discussions with their teens about abstinence and effective methods of contraception, including condom use. Pediatricians also have a role to play, frequently taking adolescents aside one-on-one during their checkups beginning as early as ages 11 to 13. These discussions, which need to be repeated annually, range from sexual activity to birth control methods and STI prevention. Most pediatricians can furnish contraception themselves or refer families to reliable community services.
For adolescents with gynecological issues, hormonal contraceptives may be a useful treatment. Hormonal methods can treat issues such as heavy periods, crampy periods, irregular periods, iron deficiency anemia, and PCOS. Even acne may be able to be treated at times using hormonal birth control pills.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), including implants and IUDs, are among the most effective methods of preventing pregnancy. With fewer than 1% of users getting pregnant during the first year, LARCs provide a very effective method. Teens using LARCs should also use barrier protection, such as condoms, to lower the risk of STIs.
For teenagers who would like to postpone their period, there are several choices. Tablets such as norethindrone, which is a form of progestin, can be prescribed to suspend menstruation for a while. Other pills containing only progestin, including norgestrel and drospirenone, may also be recommended. The pills must be taken daily at the same time to have the most success in postponing periods.
Combination pills may also be modified to omit the placebo pills to provide continuous hormone intake and to effectively delay menstruation. There are even continuous-cycle pills that are designed to be taken continuously, resulting in fewer or no periods. Extended-use pills permit deliberate breaks, usually when menstruation resumes.
Other hormonal options that are not pills, such as hormonal IUDs, the Nuvaring, and Depo-Provera shots, also can regulate periods. Hormonal IUDs, for instance, release progestin to thicken up cervical mucus to block sperm from passing through, often causing lighter or no periods. The NuvaRing, used continuously, suppresses periods by blocking uterine lining buildup. Depo-Provera shots, injected every three months, usually result in lighter or no periods after long-term use.
Emergency contraception is another essential component of reproductive health. Within five days following unprotected sex, emergency contraception can be used to avert pregnancy. Both copper IUDs and emergency contraceptive pills are effective, with copper IUDs being more than 99% effective if inserted within 120 hours of intercourse.
Having a clear knowledge of these menstrual management and contraception options enables teenagers to make well-informed decisions regarding their reproductive health. With the support of parents and healthcare providers, adolescents can make these choices with confidence and responsibility.
More for you: