Advice on contraception for dd

[Mybrainisconfused]

Dd needs to sort out contraception so I thought I'd ask for advice on the teen section.
First of all she is useless. Not reliable so wouldn't remember to take the pill. Tried patches last year and that was a disaster. Couldn't even remember how long she'd had the things on and nearly ended up in a right mess.
She doesnt fancy the implant so that basically leaves the injection but I've heard so many horror stories about non stop bleeding and horrendous weight gain.
I'd rather not have to be thinking about thisbut I can't stop her and I don't want any unwanted pregnancies so something needs to be sorted. She will be 17 in a few weeks.
Any experiences?

[pinkyredrose]

Condoms. The best surely, no hormonal changes to deal with and also protect against STDs.

[Babymouse]

She needs to do to a local sexual health clinic to have a discussion with one of the HCPs about what birth control method will work best for her. Clinics are a much better option in my opinion as they have more experience around BCMs and tend to be less judgmental. They will also support your daughter to take responsibility for her fertility and sexual health - that really shouldn't be your role at her age.

Injections aren't the only long-term reversible option - IUD/IUS are options too. BPAS has a good overview of potential methods www.bpas.org/more-services-information/contraception/.

[P1nkP0ppy]

The coil?

[Mybrainisconfused]

Thanks. I keep telling her she still needs to use condoms whatever she chooses.
She did go to local sexual health clinic last year herself and got patches, but as I mentioned, she messed up with them. She needs to take responsibility, I agree. I just don't trust her to do things properly, and she admits herself that she wouldn't remember the pill. What about a pill reminder app?
Are injections a bad idea then?

[AnyFucker]

My dd used the injections and had no problems

[Babymouse]

Injections (Depo) is a great option for women who want a long acting contraception, but don't want anything internally for whatever reason. Not everyone gains weight on depo. And there is no reason that she can't change methods later on.

[Sidge]

The contraceptive injection suits many women - at only 16 it wouldn't be my top recommendation (it has the potential to affect bone health and bleeding, and to a lesser extent appetite) but if the alternative is an unwanted pregnancy then it's certainly a consideration. Bleeding can be unpredictable but usually settles and many women don't bleed at all. Weight gain is unlikely and no causal relationship has been established but progesterones can increase appetite so in women that are prone to being overweight or overeating it's something to be mindful of.

Ditto the IUD/IUS - not a top choice for young women that haven't been pregnant but again a possibility. Many CaSH doctors and nurses won't fit them in very young women, partly due to an infection risk in young women that may have multiple sexual partners over the duration of the coil, and may not reliably use condoms.

If she wanted to try the pill again there are some that are everyday versions so no pill free week to confuse, or you can set alerts each day on your smartphone to remind you to take your pill.

[Peebles1]

My DD keeps her pill in her make up bag so she never forgets! Depends if yours is a make up fiend though.

[HairySubject]

I had the injection as a teenager and got on with it fine. I stopped bleeding altogether if I recall. Plus it is easily reversible if she doesn't get on with it.

[JennyOnAPlate]

There are ways to remember to take the pill. I rest my pill packet up against my bottle of make up remover so when it's bed time I can't forget cos it's right in front of my nose!

[specialsubject]

body chemistries are all different so no reaction regarding bleeding on the injection can be predicted. Contraceptive weight gain is unproven - usual cause is eating too much.

until she grows up and realises scatty is dumb, the pill sounds a bad idea. And yes, condoms every time.

[Firstmum24]

Condoms definitely
Try the Depo injection. It is not for everybody but if it agrees with her all she has to remember is an appointment every three months to get another shot.

[PurpleWithRed]

DD has an implant, it's perfect for her.

[lamusic]

Implant is probably your best bet however a friends daughter bled for 107 days straight!

[stealthkick]

Dd uses the pill. I know nothing obviously and warts, crabs, herpes, etc don't exist in teen world.
Condoms (and I know even then some nasties aren't covered) if I had any influence.

[Mybrainisconfused]

Thank you. I appreciate all the replies. Obviously I know nothing and she knows best but I will try and help her if she will listen to me.

[circular]

I thought the general advice was to use a condom AS WELL AS whatever other protection.

Re the pill, sorts heavy, irregular or painfup periods too. Don't know anyone on it for whom it has made periods worse, although other side effects to consider.
As said up thread, a 28 day version is a much better idea for the forgetful.

[hellsbells99]

Watching this thread with interest as DD asked me about contraception this week. I have been trying to get a GP appointment for her but none available! Can you go to a clinic for the normal contraceptive pill? (Learning something new here).
My advice to her was pill + condoms.