What Mothers and Daughters Should Know About Birth Control

By Carma Haley

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6

One of the many topics that parents will discuss with their children is sex. It's not an easy subject and not many parents find joy in having "the talk." But it's necessary and inevitable. When discussing sex, contraception and protection with a teen, parents should remember to cover all bases and allow the child to ask questions along the way. Discussing sex is not offering a child an open invitation to participate or become sexually active; it is a parent's way of ensuring that a teen has accurate information to make an educated decision when the time comes -- and it will come.

Most experts agree that abstinence is definitely the best option for teens. But if your child is sexually active -- and many are -- you can help your teen to be safe with the best method of protection.

Especially for teens, availability may decrease the number of choices of contraceptive methods. If a teen is taking on the responsibility alone, this can increase the difficulty of the task. "The number one aspect of choosing a contraception method is access," says Carol Carrozza, Vice President of Marketing for Ansell Healthcare, which manufactures LifeStyle condoms. "Access has to be fairly easy. A teen's access might be limited to what they can get, whether it is because of money, time, a parent's knowledge, etc., so the options may be limited on what methods they can get legally and over the counter." Teenaged girls may not know that they must visit a clinic or an OB/GYN to get fitted for a diaphragm or IUD or to get oral contraceptives. Or they may not have the money to pay for such service. A parent's involvement and support will broaden a teen girl's resources as well as her options for methods of contraception.

"Next in importance of factors to consider would be lifestyle," Carrozza says. "If a teen has already decided to become sexually active she will need to consider the other aspects involved with her decision. For example, is her partner inclined to share in the responsibility? If so, there are simple methods available that either party can obtain. If he refuses, then she will have to look at the alternative methods that she's in control of and offer her the best protection." In addition, if a female is only sexual active once a month, resorting to a method of contraception that offers protection all month long may not be worth the time, effort or money. However, if a female is more sexually active, ensuring extended protection may be the better alternative.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6

What Mothers and Daughters Should Know About Birth Control

By Carma Haley

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