Patient Story: How I Made the Right Choice for Birth Control for my Daughters
“As a mother of 2 teenage daughters (who are now off to college), it was inevitable that the discussion of birth control would come up at some point. When it did, I didn’t realize how many choices there really were: pills, different types of IUDs, an arm implant called Nexplanon, a shot, patches, a vaginal ring...There were pros and cons to each one. My first introduction was when they were young teens struggling with acne. After trying several prescription medications that never completely eliminated their acne, they were placed on combination birth control pills (with both estrogen and progesterone), which improved their acne the most.
Several years later, one of my daughters was in a serious relationship and mentioned the possibility of being intimate with him. We discussed that most of her friends have an IUD, so she was interested in learning more about that method of contraception. We then visited my OB for a consultation. We ultimately decide that the Mirena IUD would be a good choice for her because it is one of the most effective methods of birth control, it’s very low maintenance, and it can stay in for up to 7 years. After a few months with the IUD in place, my daughter’s acne started to flare again. She was then restarted on combination birth control pills still while keeping the IUD. However, after about 6 months with the IUD, she’s not happy with it. She’s spotting a lot each month and is still experiencing some abdominal discomfort. After discussing these issues with her primary care doctor, Dr. Purifoy, they decided together that it would be best to remove her IUD and replace it with the Nexplanon, which goes under the skin on the arm. So far, this has been the best option for her because, like an IUD, it’s super effective – more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy and has few side effects. It’s also a low maintenance hassle-free option which is great for a busy college student.”
As your daughter matures into a beautiful young lady, there ultimately will be uncomfortable conversations with her, such as using birth control. While birth control is an option to prevent unwanted pregnancy, it has many other uses.
Before beginning the dialogue with your daughter around birth control, start first by having the sex talk. It is essential your child understands sex, STIs, avoiding unwanted pregnancy, and their options. Many teens rush into sex due to peer pressure, and it’s important they know that is not an acceptable reason to have sex. It is a big decision, and they should never be pressured into it.
Understanding Birth Control Options for Your Teenage Daughter
Birth control, also known as contraception, comes in many forms.
- Oral: taken as a pill
- IUD: this is a tiny device inserted into the uterus
- Implant: also known as Nexplanon, is a tiny match-stick-like device that is inserted under the skin in the upper arm
- Shot: Depo-Provera, which is given as an injection every three months
- Patch: a transdermal contraceptive patch that is placed on the skin
It is important to note that none of these birth control options will protect against STIs, which means that if your daughter is going to be sexually active, they should always use a condom, even if they are on another type of birth control. When you have the sex talk, be sure they understand condoms and how to use them.
Abstinence is Best for Teenagers
Abstinence is the best option for preventing unwanted pregnancies and STIs. Birth control methods must be appropriately used to be effective, and each method varies in its effectiveness. Meaning even if contraceptives are used, pregnancy can still happen. Be sure your teenager is aware of this. Far too often, our teenagers think they are invincible and nothing bad can happen to them, but that is simply not true. Life-changing pregnancies can happen, so why not just wait to have sex?
Uses for Birth Control in Teenage Girls
Yes, birth control’s primary use is to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, they can also be used to ease menstruation symptoms. If your daughter is experiencing severe cramping, heavy bleeding, and other intensified menstruation symptoms, you should discuss this with their doctor. Some types can also be used to treat facial acne. A prescription birth control may help ease these symptoms.
Start the Discussion Today
Start the conversation with your daughter today. In our experience, parents need to make the first move in getting teenagers to open up. Be sure they know they can come to you and that you will listen and can best help them through tough decisions like whether or not to have sex.
Sometimes our kids simply will not talk to us, so encourage them to open up to their doctor. Let them know that their doctor is a judgmental-free person who knows them best. Together, they can decide on the best birth control method.