You may have come across stuff in teen magazines about sex and contraception. Maybe you and your friends talk about this from time to time. Magazines often refer to condoms and other forms of contraception as the answer to unwanted pregnancy.
Teen pregnancy is a big issue for girls who are sexually active. Using contraception is no guarantee they won’t get pregnant. Estimates vary, but it is believed that around one in four sexually active teenage young women become pregnant by mistake (Healey, 2005). Contraceptive failure is a common factor in teenage pregnancy. About half of all teen pregnancies end in abortion.
These are life altering decisions. How would an unplanned pregnancy affect you?
Decisions about sex
Whether or not get into sex is something to really think about – not just because of the risk of pregnancy, but because of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and emotional hurts. There’s no such thing as casual sex. People’s emotions and physical well being are always on the line.
Most teen magazines, movies and TV soaps give the impression that pretty much all teens are having sex. Not true! By age 19 only half the teen population has had sexual intercourse. If you are a virgin you are not alone - and you’re keeping safe. Saying No to sex as a teenager is a smart move.
Before we talk about contraception, let’s discuss what conception is.
Conception occurs when a man’s sperm unites with a woman’s ovum (egg).
Sperm is released from the man’s penis during sexual intercourse, travels from the woman’s vagina into the uterus and out into the fallopian tubes. Human life begins when one sperm meets and joins with an ovum that has been released into the fallopian tube. The fertilised ovum will continue on to the uterus where it will implant into the rich lining of blood and mucous that forms each month for the purpose of nourishing a developing embryo.
Contraception is any means used to try and prevent pregnancy occurring during sexual intercourse. No method of contraception is 100% effective. Contraceptive failure is a huge factor in teenage pregnancy.
Some methods prevent fertilization of the egg by the sperm. Other methods interrupt pregnancy by preventing the fertilized ovum settling in the uterus. Some methods carry risks and side effects.
Condoms, the Pill and so-called ‘emergency contraception’ are the methods most relied upon by sexually active teenagers who use contraception. These methods are described here, plus things to know about each.
A thin latex or rubber sheath placed over a man’s erect penis, designed to prevent the sperm from entering the woman’s vagina.
EffectivenessAlthough condoms are widely promoted as the key to ‘safe sex’ they have a high failure rate in practice
A drug containing two synthetic hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, which act on the female’s whole system. A prescription must be obtained from a doctor following a thorough medical check-up. The Pill must be taken every day to be effective.
The Pill is thought to work in three ways:
Effectiveness
Generally very effective IF used strictly according to instructions. Works best if taken at same time every day
NOTE: The Pill may no longer be effective if the woman has been vomiting or is taking antibiotics.
Disadvantages and possible side effects
Despite extensive research there are still questions about long term effects of using the Pill.
A drug composed of a synthetic hormone used in a much higher dosage than the contraceptive pill. It is designed to prevent or interrupt a pregnancy if taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sexual intercourse, preferably within 24 hours following unprotected sex. It is now available without prescription from chemists.
The dosage is two tablets given 12 hours apart.
It is thought to work in a number of different ways -
Effectiveness
Disadvantages, cautions and possible side effects
As with the Pill, emergency contraception should not be administered to anyone with a history of blood clots, anemia, high blood fat levels, breast cancer, uterine cancer, liver disease, migraines, epilepsy, diabetes. Side effects include -
Other concerns -
Over-the-counter purchase at chemist reduces opportunity for private discussion about above side effects and a girl’s medical history.
Anxiety is not reduced as she must still wait until a pregnancy test can be done. Side effects of the drug can mimic symptoms of pregnancy. If the girl discovers she is pregnant after using emergency contraception she may fear damage to the embryo and feel pressured into an abortion decision.
Regular use of emergency contraception may increase health risks including ectopic pregnancy (development of pregnancy in fallopian tube instead of uterus).
Contains synthetic progesterone only. Usually prevents ovaries from releasing an ovum. Less often it thickens cervical mucous, preventing passage of sperm to ovum. May also prevent implanting of a fertilised ovum in uterus.
Effectiveness
Only effective if taken at exactly the same time every day
NOTE: The Mini Pill may no longer be effective if the woman has been vomiting or is taking antibiotics.
A synthetic progesterone. Works like the Mini Pill but is given to the woman by injection every three months. The drug is absorbed slowly and continuously. Any unpleasant side effects will last until the end of the three month dose.
Effectiveness
Disadvantages and possible side effects
A progesterone-only contraceptive implant. Consists of a small plastic rod inserted just under the skin on inside of the upper arm. The rod is very flexible and not likely to be visible. The hormone is released slowly from the device into the bloodstream over 3 years.
It works by:
Disadvantages and possible side effects
The man withdraws his penis from the woman’s vagina just before ejaculation (release of sperm).
Effectiveness
27 out of every 100 women whose partners use withdrawal will become pregnant in 1st year of typical use.
Disadvantages
References
The Abortion Issue (2005) Edited by Justin Healey, The Spinney Press.
Most teenagers are not sexually active. There are good reasons for this choice.
Having sex can complicate single relationships. You are free to choose to have more control of your sexual and emotional health.
Remember…
Sometimes we make mistakes about sex, especially if we are feeling down about something, or lonely and sad. Sex can seem like a promise of love and affection but afterwards we can feel really let down and used and somehow lonelier than ever. This emotional state can get in the way of making clear decisions and leave us open to risk.
Need to talk?
……go to HELP on this website.
Need to talk?
if you are trying to make a choice and finding it difficult…
if you feel you may be at risk…
if you are affected by an abortion…
if you are having relationship difficulties...
……go to HELP on this website.