Teenagers and contraception

[GnomeDePlume]

DD1 and her boyfriend are both 15. They are not yet having sex (DD has said that she wants to be legal and I believe her).

I have briefly suggested that at 16 she thinks about going onto the pill. This to both regularise her periods and also to mean that when she and her boyfriend are ready then she/he will not have contraception to worry about. Of course this does leave another 9999 things to worry about but we have to start somewhere.

Is this sensible or is this going to be labelling her in some way?

My own parents were completely Victorian. I dont want to go too far the other way.

What to do for the best?

DH's suggestion of taking the boyfriend to the vet was not entirely helpful.

Does anyone have advice on this stage please?

[GnomeDePlume]

The only thing holding DH back is that he wont be able to persuade the boyfriend into the cat's carry basket.

Thank you for suggesting a teenage clinic. I will find out what is available in our neighbourhood.

[upahill]

I have mentioned this organisation on another thread.
They are excellent

www.brook.org.uk/
There may be one in your town.

[GetOrfMoiLand]

at taking him to the vet

My dd is 15. She has a steady boyfriend, however she also says that she wants to be legal, and I believe her tbh.

DD had hideous periods - both heavy and painful, so she started taking the pill about 18 months ago. It took a while to get one which suited her, but it was very effective. She was however a bit lackadaisical about taking it (I too am useless at remembering to take pills).

her friend had an implant fitted, as she was active. That had the net result of periods disappearing altogether. DD wanted to try this as well, and I could see the appeal, I had the mirena and didn't have periods for 10 years, it was great.

She had it fitted at the sexual health clinic, she said it was painless. A bit of bruising on her upper arm, but you can't tell if it is there now. She has no periods and no ill side effects.

I think it is a good idea - I have spoken to dd and said that if she starts to have sex, yes this is brilliant as a contraception but she STILL must remember to use condoms as (a) belt and braces approach and (b) protection against STIs.

[Flower1000]

I think you are both being very sensible, talking about it and if she's with a steady bf then why not. I went on the pill at 14 because of heavy periods but didn't start having sex until quite a few years later.

I'm sure she's aware but might be worth reminding her about condoms and making sure she knows all about STDs

[cyrilsneer]

Love your DH's suggestion!

How would your daughter feel about going on the pill butnot actually telling her boyfriend - that way he will feel compelled to use a condom each and every time? As you say 1. Protection against STIs and 2. Belt and braces approach to contraception in case she ever forgets one of her pills?

Slightly off-track, can I ask those of you whose DC are having sex - when and where is this sex happening?

[GnomeDePlume]

Thanks all for the advice.

I'm not sure that I would be happy about DD being deceitful with her boyfriend albeit in a good cause. One of the 101 things we have talked about is honesty and goodwill in relationships. I dont think that DD would be happy with this either.

On the other hand I will definitely encourage the belt/braces/spare set of trousers approach. There has already been a baby born in her year at school so both DD and BF are well aware of the consequences of contraceptive failure. They are also very aware of STIs.

They are so much better informed than I was at the same age.

Thanks again