Birth control

Abstinence (not having sex) is a sure way to avoid becoming pregnant again or getting any STD. If you choose to have sex, it would be the best to wait until your doctor tells you it is safe to do so. Teens must be educated and informed about how to change their sexual behavior and how to use contraceptives correctly. Therefore, they need basic information about how to protect themselves and their reproductive health. Teenagers must develop communication skills and sexual decision-making so that sex does not just happen to people as some of them might think.

Twenty-five percent of teenage mothers give birth to a second baby within 2 years. That is why we could see that teenagers must be made aware of the consequences of having more than one child at a young age. For teenagers that wish to control their life, there are various birth control methods available on the market, so teens should talk to their health care provider to determine the best choice for them.

Depo-provera, for example, is injected into a woman’s arm muscle or buttocks every three months. That birth control method requires a visit to the doctor or health care professional, but it works well, preventing pregnancy by preventing ovulation, altering the cervical mucus to make it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg, and preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus and developing. It also reduces menstrual cramps, iron-deficiency anemia, and risk of endometrial cancer. Side effects include irregular periods, weight gain, and tender breasts in some cases similar to birth control pills.
Norplant is an implant that is inserted under the skin and is effective for up to 5 years. It is made up of six matchstick-sized rubber rods and must be inserted and removed by a professional health care provider. There is an increased risk of pregnancy in heavier women, but Norplant failure is generally rare, although side effects include changes in the menstrual cycle, weight gain, and tender breasts similar to any other birth control method.

There is also a variety of low-dose birth control pills that are safe, and these pills reduce menstrual cramps and blood flow. The pill is also able to regulate the menstrual cycle and in some cases, reduce acne for some girls.

Condoms and contraceptive jelly reduce the risk for pregnancy and for sexually transmitted diseases or infections that are very common.
Emergency contraceptive pills, also known as morning-after pills are effective if taken within 72 hours after having unprotected sex; most medical insurance companies cover them, although a prescription is required.

However, you must know the most effective method of birth control is abstinence, which means no sexual intercourse at all. Abstinence is the only way that couples can be 100% sure they will not have to deal with pregnancy or STDs at all.