Contraception for teens?

[namechamgeforteenadvice]

It goes without saying that condoms will feature, but what else do 16yo girls use?

DD may be taking her relationship to the next step in the coming weeks. She is thinking about the pill or depo, I like the idea of depo as it's done and that's it, but if it doesn't agree with her it's a long wait for it to leave her system and she is about to sit exams over the next few months. The pill she will have to remember to take regularly, but any problems and she can stop it immediately. Is there another option (not the implant) Do teens have to go to a particular clinic or can she see the GP like I would for something like this?

I feel like a complete novice here as things are very different to when I was her age!

[dementedpixie]

What age is she? Depo not great as it can thin the bones so isn't advised if they are still growing. Family planning clinic?

[Follyfoot]

I'd encourage her to go to the local sexual health clinic for advice. They may hold specific young people's clinics. She'll get up to date non judgmental advice relating to contraception and STIs.

[namechamgeforteenadvice]

16. Do the GP's prefer family planning to deal with this?

[dementedpixie]

The FPC may have more info and advice compared to the GP. Some run a young persons clinic

[namechamgeforteenadvice]

GP is in our town, family planning/sexual health clinic all require a bit of a trek. Obviously I don't mind taking her, but for convenience the GP is easiest

[namechamgeforteenadvice]

Crossposted
Thank you

[loveulotslikejellytots]

In my experience family planning has more up to date (better) advice. Gp's have never been as helpful as FP clinics. Just a tip though, maybe go to one in the next town over, I went when I was 16 on my own and half of my school year was in there. I was teased for being there (even though we were all there for the same thing ). Your dd may not care, but worth asking. If you google the FP website can give you locations of your nearest ones.

[Lilonetwo]

Nuvaring was excellent for me. I used to have a hormonal contraceptive patch (like a plaster) I would change every week. But the nuvaring does the same thing.

You remove change it every week and can take it out whenever you want to.

[Follyfoot]

The local SH clinic would be where I'd send my DD. If you Google your local sexual health services, they should have a website with details of all the clinics, there may be more than you are aware of, and some specifically suited to her needs. Also, she may be able to book online.

It's really good she can talk to you about this

[TheHeightSupremacist]

Daughter went on Depo but ended up having to have it removed after a couple of months as it was triggering anxiety and depression, she cried for about 3 months solid. Almost as soon as it was out she back to normal. She’s on the pill now and it suits her much better.

[TheHeightSupremacist]

Scratch that it was the implant she had but I think Depo is the same hormones

[namechamgeforteenadvice]

I had a look to find out more about NuvaRing but it seems to be over 18's for that.

I think the pill is the most likely solution here, but will see if we can arrange to go to a clinic to have a chat