Contraception advice for a teenager

[MycroftHolmes]

I've name changed because I know DD knows my usual 'name'

She is emotionally young & probably not sexually active (but let's be honest I probably wouldn't know) and she is going away to uni

We are discussing safe sex - but I'm out of the loop - DH had the snip years ago!

So what is safe & has few side-effects; I imagine mycrogynon 30 is a bit out of date as far as the pill goes

& I'd rather point her in the direction of some info before she goes away; then if she goes to see the nurse she will at least have a basic knowledge

[Friedbrain]

have a look online for information leaflets / magazines for teenagers..

order them or print them off, leave them in her room, no need to even mention them if you don't want to

[MycroftHolmes]

She's more than happy for me to talk to her about it & I get the impression she would quite like me t make the decision - but I'm stepping back on the decision just providing info

The NHS website is a bit one-sided I think without too much info about side-effects (that I can see)

[Rumplestiltskinismyname]

Please make sure you don't just focus on not getting pregnant- condoms either as a main contraception or in addition should be essential!

[MycroftHolmes]

Fortunately she told me that!!

I'm looking at the injection or the implant - the implant seems to be more reversible......

I'm not sure she would remember to take a pill every day

[MycroftHolmes]

The Brook website seemed to think an IUD was the most suitable - I was quite sceptical about that

[Rumplestiltskinismyname]

Please be a little wary I the injection... Although I was on it for years, many people react badly to it (weight gain, mood swings)- and it can take quite a while (sometimes up to 6 months) for your periods to return after you finish which can be frustrating if you are trying to conceive (speaking from experience here!!).

If she isn't yet sexually active- I was just leave it til she is... And then she can go and speak to the nurse/gp herself. No point using anything before you have to. I presume she isn't going to start anything just yet? If I've read it right this is just precursory advice for her?

[Poseypops]

TBH I'd be wary of any hormones. I went on the pill at 17 for the same "just to be cautious" reasons. When I came off it at 24 (ish) it felt like a fog was lifted. Nothing specific but I'm sure it had a negative impact on my mood and libido. In hindsight I wish I'd stayed away from hormones unless really necessary. Condoms are very effective if used correctly and if she then enters into a stable loving relationship they can discuss alternative methods then. I'm off to remove my rose tinted glasses now

[MycroftHolmes]

I guess I'm thinking belt & braces, as she is a little naive - she goes round in a group at school, mainly girls & some gay boys. 'Men' haven't really been seen/experienced or even met very often

I worry

[claraschu]

Does no one use the cervical cap or diaphragm any more? I have never used any hormonal contraceptives, as I didn't like the idea of messing around with hormones if I could avoid it.

[ilovepowerhoop]

I dont think the injection is a good choice for a teenager as it can thin your bones so can affect bone density.

Netdoctor has info on each method and details side effects

depo

implant

mirena

IUD

[ilovepowerhoop]

there is also the choice of combined pill/mini pill. It was the pill I used at that sort of age.

[gobbin]

The implant seems to be the method-du-jour down here for young teens upwards.

In her situation she needs LARC (long acting reversible contraception) plus condoms. Her GP or local clinic can advise. Implant and injection seem to be the most age-appropriate, but as others have said above, do a bi of research then get professional advice before making a decision.

[DurhamDurham]

Both my girls have had the implant, my oldest is 21 in June and she has just had her second implant ( they need to be replaced every three years). My youngest has just turned 17 and she has recently had her first implant. She is a wuss and needed both me and her sister there to hold her hand while she had the procedure, my oldest wanted to go alone to get hers done.

They are both sensible girls and are aware that further protection is required to prevent std's but I have to admit that's it's a relief to know that I'm not going to be a Granny any time soon

[MycroftHolmes]

Thanks everyone - I now know more than I did

[specialsubject]

microgynon is not out of date. And nothing is safe - but hormonal contraception has a lower risk of death than pregnancy and childbirth.

She doesn't get to choose her pill (if that's what she wants to use). The GP does after taking lots of details. If the one she takes doesn't suit her, she tries a different type. The side-effects vary from woman to woman, and many don't get any.

side effects are always given in detail.

As and when she considers herself adult enough to have sex, she is old enough to make her own decisions and to organise her own appointments. You equip her with the info she needs (including family history) and how to make a doctor or clinic appointment.

whatever other method she uses, she must always use a condom too.

also a few other hints; never leave drinks unattended, don't be pressured into swilling to unconsciousness because everyone else does, and various other ways to keep herself safer.

[MycroftHolmes]

Again she told me the drink one & apparently there are glasses now that change colour with daterape drugs get put in them (kids!!)

Microgynon still going - blimey that must be 30 years since I took it then Tri- something or other with a beige card packet & a picture of a rose on it

[specialsubject]

she sounds switched on, this is good.

Microgynon has 30 years of history - this is also good, although like all pills it doesn't suit everyone.

[MycroftHolmes]

& you can buy a 'lid' to go on your bottle??

She thinks she is more likely to have her drinks spiked with alcohol as she doesn't drink

It's been a learning curve for me, a steep one