Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting, no matter how
close you are. But discussing issues like abstinence,
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of an
unintended pregnancy
or contracting an STD.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports sex education
that includes information about both abstinence and birth control.
Research has shown that this information doesn't increase
kids' level of sexual activity, but actually promotes and
increases the proper use of birth control methods among sexually
active teens.
How and when you discuss sex and birth control is up to you.
Providing the facts is vital, but it's also wise to tell your
kids where you stand. Remember, by approaching these issues
like any other health topics, not as something dirty or
embarrassing, you increase the odds that your kids will
feel comfortable coming to you with any questions and
problems. As awkward as it might feel, answer questions honestly.
And if you don't know the answers, it's OK to say so, then
find out and report back.
If you have questions about how to talk with your son or
daughter about sex, consider consulting your doctor. Lots of
parents find this tough to tackle, and a doctor may offer some
helpful perspective.
What Are Birth Control Pills?
The birth control pill (also called "the Pill") is a
daily pill that usually contains the hormones estrogen and
progesterone, which prevent ovulation.
How Does the Pill Work?
Most birth control pills are "combination pills"
containing a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone
to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly
cycle). A female cannot get pregnant if she doesn't ovulate
because there is no egg to be fertilized. The Pill also works by
thickening the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult
for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been
released. The hormones in the Pill can also sometimes affect the
lining of the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to attach to
the wall of the uterus.
Most combination pills come in either a 21-day pack or a 28-day
pack. One hormone pill is taken each day at about the same time for
21 days. Depending on the pack, the birth control pills are either
stopped for 7 days or a pill that contains no hormones is taken for
7 days. During the week that the female is taking no pills
or pills that don't contain hormones, she has her
period. Some women prefer the schedule in which pills are taken
every day of the month because it helps keep them in the habit of
taking a pill every day.
Also available is a combination pill that reduces the
frequency of a woman's period by supplying a hormone pill for
12 weeks and then inactive pills for 7 days. This reduces the
number of periods to one every 3 months instead of one every
month.
Another kind of pill that may change the number of monthly
periods is the low-dose progesterone pill, sometimes called the
minipill. This differs from other birth control pills in that it
only contains one type of hormone - progesterone - rather than a
combination of estrogen and progesterone. It works by changing the
cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus, and sometimes by
affecting ovulation as well. It can be slightly less effective than
the combination pills at preventing pregnancy.
The minipill is taken every day without a break. A girl who is
taking the minipill may have no period at all or she may go several
months without a period. In order for the minipill to work, it must
be taken at the same time every day, without missing any doses. And
it does not reliably prevent ovulation - it works by changing the
cervical mucus and the uterine lining.
Every type of birth control pill works best when it is taken
every single day at the same time of day, regardless of whether a
female is going to have sex. This is especially important with
progesterone-only pills. It's very important that your daughter
not take a friend's or a sister's pills. If pills are
skipped or forgotten, she is not protected against pregnancy and
she will need a backup form of birth control, such as condoms, or
she will need to stop having sex for a while.
How Well Does the Pill Work?
Over the course of a year, 5-8 out of 100 typical couples who
rely on the Pill to prevent pregnancy will have an accidental
pregnancy. The Pill is an effective form of birth control, but even
missing 1 day increases the chance of pregnancy.
In general, how well each type of birth control method works
depends on many things. These include whether a woman has any
health conditions or is taking any medications or herbal
supplements that might interfere with its use. For example,
antibiotics or an herb like St. John's wort can interfere with
the effectiveness of the Pill.
Protection Against STDs
The birth control pill does not protect against STDs. Couples
having sex must always use
condoms
along with the Pill to protect against STDs.
Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always
prevents pregnancy and STDs.
Possible Side Effects
The Pill is a safe and effective method of birth control. Most
young women who take the Pill have none to very few side
effects.
Smoking cigarettes and using the Pill can increase a girl's
risk of certain side effects, which is why health professionals
advise girls who use the Pill not to smoke. The side effects that
some women have while on the Pill include:
- irregular menstrual bleeding
- nausea, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, and breast
tenderness
- mood changes
- blood clots (rare in women under 35 who do not smoke)
Some of these side effects improve over the first 3 months on
the Pill. When a girl has side effects, a doctor will sometimes
prescribe a different brand of the Pill.
The Pill also has some side effects that many young women enjoy.
It usually makes periods much lighter, reduces cramps, and is often
prescribed for women who have menstrual problems. Taking the Pill
can improve acne, and some doctors prescribe it for this purpose.
Birth control pills have also been found to protect against some
forms of breast disease, anemia, ovarian cysts, and ovarian and
endometrial cancers.
Who Uses Birth Control Pills?
Young women who can remember to take a pill each day and who
want excellent protection from pregnancy can use birth control
pills.
Not all girls can - or should - use the birth control pill. In
some cases, other medical conditions make the use of the Pill less
effective or more risky. For example, it is not recommended for
those who have had blood clots, certain types of cancers, or
certain types of migraine headaches. If a girl has high blood
pressure that's under control, she can use the Pill under
a doctor's supervision. Girls who have had unexplained vaginal
bleeding (bleeding that is not during their periods) or who suspect
they may be pregnant should talk to their doctor.
Where Are Birth Control Pills Available?
A doctor or a nurse practitioner must prescribe the Pill, and
will do a complete physical exam, which may include a pelvic exam.
The doctor or nurse will often prescribe 3 months' worth of
pills and explain when to begin taking it and what to do if pills
are missed. For the first 7 days of taking the Pill, it is
important for your daughter to use an additional form of
contraception to prevent pregnancy. She should continue to use
condoms for protection against STDs.
When your daughter returns to the doctor in 3 months, her blood
pressure will be checked and she'll be asked about any
problems. If there are no problems and your daughter wants to
continue to take the Pill, the doctor will probably provide another
prescription for 6-12 months. After that, girls who are having sex
should get routine exams every 6 months to a year, or as
recommended by a doctor.
How Much Do Birth Control Pills Cost?
The Pill usually costs between $20-$50 a month, depending on the
type. Many health and family planning clinics (such as Planned
Parenthood) sell birth control pills for less. In addition, birth
control pills and doctor visits are covered by many health
insurance plans.
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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