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 Is the Birth Control Shot?
The birth control shot is a long-acting form of progesterone, a
hormone that is naturally manufactured in the ovaries. The shot is
given as an injection in the upper arm or in the buttocks once
every 3 months to protect a female from becoming pregnant.
How Does the Birth Control Shot Work?
The hormone progesterone in the birth control shot primarily
works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg during the
monthly cycle). If a female doesn't ovulate, she cannot get
pregnant because there is no egg to be fertilized.
How Well Does the Birth Control Shot Work?
The birth control shot is a very effective method of birth
control. Over the course of a year, 3 out of 100 typical couples
who use the birth control shot every 3 months will have an
accidental pregnancy. The chance of getting pregnant increases if a
girl waits longer than 3 months to receive her next shot.
Protection Against STDs
The birth control shot does not protect against STDs. In fact
some studies show that the birth control shot may possibly increase
the risk of getting certain STDs, although scientists do not
understand why.
Couples having sex must always use
condoms
along with the shot to protect against STDs.
Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always
prevents pregnancy and STDs.
Possible Side Effects
Many women who receive the birth control shot will notice a
change in their periods. The other side effects that some women
have include:
- irregular or no menstrual periods
- weight gain, headaches, and breast tenderness
- depression
- acne
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety
warning with regard to the use of the long-acting progesterone
shot. Studies link this shot to a loss of bone density in women,
although bone density may recover when a woman is no longer getting
the shot. Doctors are not sure how this type of shot may affect the
bone density of adolescent girls in the future, though. Young
women who are considering the shot as a method of birth
control should talk to their doctors about it and make sure that
they get enough calcium each day. Women who smoke should be sure to
let their doctors know because smoking may be connected to this
bone density loss.
Who Uses the Birth Control Shot?
Young women who have difficulty remembering to take
birth control pills
and who want extremely good protection against pregnancy use the
birth control shot. Also, nursing mothers can use the birth control
shot.
Not all young women can - or should - use the birth control
shot. Certain medical conditions make the use of the shot less
effective or more risky. For example, it is not recommended for
women who have had blood clots, certain types of cancers, or
certain types of migraine headaches. Young women who have had
unexplained vaginal bleeding (bleeding that is not during their
periods) or who suspect they may be pregnant should talk to their
doctors.
Where Is the Birth Control Shot Available?
The shot must be prescribed and is given every 3 months in a
doctor's office.
How Much Does the Birth Control Shot Cost?
Each injection (3 months' worth of birth control) costs
about $60. Many health insurance plans cover the cost of birth
control shots, as well as the cost of the doctor's visit.
Family planning clinics (such as Planned Parenthood) may charge
less.
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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