Contraception for my teenage daughter

Sexual health clinics are best, the nurses and doctors there generally have a far better knowledge of contraception than GPS (unless the GP has a better interest). They can explain the pros and cons of each method.

My dd went for the implant as no risk of forgetting. Seems to all be OK and she's happy with her choice

It’s trial and error in my opinion. I tried a few types in my younger years. Some give me terrible headaches, some gave me nausea etc etc. She just needs to find the right one for herself! The pill wasn’t for me after all. Now after having two dc I use the mirena but I’ve also tried the implant etc. Everyone is different with everything 😃

I went on the pill at 16, I never discussed it with my mother. It was my choice, and even if your daughter has asked your opinion I think your answer should be “probably best to talk to the doctor about your options”.

Nobody can start a girl on anything without advice and a prescription from a qualified medical Dr who knows or has access to her medical history.

Your wording is odd. A 17-year-old doesn’t need your agreement to go on the pill. She should make whatever choice she feels happiest with after discussing it with her doctor.

Also a school doctor in a boarding school will have a lot of experience with teenage girls looking for contraceptive advice.

She goes and sees her doctor (without you) and discusses her options.

She's 17, she can have the pill whether you agree or not, however she is far more likely to choose another option as times have moved on.

I was at school in the early 90s and we didn't ask our parents if we could go on the pill then, we just got on with it. It wasn't the 1960s then and it certainly isn't now.

she has asked to go on the pill, to which I’ve agreed

This is so weird.

Well it's her choice, you're not really putting her on anything, she's 17.

At her age I got the arm implant, definitely would not recommend the coil for a young girl. I had the mini pill before we tried for current baby, best out of the lot for me.

Really though, she needs to research what's available to her and choose what she wants and you need to encourage her to take control of her own medical needs.

In our area the clinic which would do the implantation isn't running due to COVID 19. So my daughter chose the patch. She seems very happy with it. Just change it once a week. 3 weeks on, one week off.

I would suggest against the pill. That's the worst as far as I know. It can cause hormonal imbalances.
I suggest copper coil. That is the best to avoid pregnancies. Ofcourse nothing is 100 % safe but it. Has much higher success rate than other ways.

Jeez, some of these responses! I doubt many of them have had a close relationship with a daughter in their late teens who confides in their mother asking for advice on contraception!

I know what you mean OP. Take no notice of these holier than thou posters. Take comfort your daughter confides in you, a mark of good friendship for the coming years!

You say 'or did you put her on something else' like it's actually you choosing what your almost-adult daughter takes. It's not.

SHE needs to sit and chat to her doctor about it, and get a prescription for what they both agree would suit her.

You're not 'putting her' on anything. Christ.

Start her on the mini pill first and get her to be aware of her mood while on it.
I was put on a new pill as a teenager and it turned me into a zombie.
It was fine when I switched so doesn't mean she won't be able to use any pill as contraception but might need to brand hop till she finds what suits.
The implant is a good idea but better to wait till she knows how she tolerates the pill first.
I was on the injection for a few years when younger and loved it as it got rid of my periods but they don't really recommend it when too young now as can impact on bone health which you are building up when your young.
I think it's nice that your daughter feels close enough to get advice from you on this.
I had a similar relationship with my DM as a teen and still get on very well now.

Firstly well done for creating a relationship with your daughter that she feels able to come to you for these things.

She should talk to her doctor about all the different options available to her which includes patches, implants, IUDs, POP pills and combi pills. I'd stay away from injections if she's never had any sort of progesterone before as if she doesn't react well then it'll take 8 weeks to get out her system.

If she's the responsible type that can remember to take her pills then go for that option as less invasive but if not there are long term options available to her and the doctor should be able to go through each one and decide what's best for her

The phrase "or did you put her on something else" makes me really uncomfortable. She is not a pet that you are medicating, she is an autonomous young woman who can make her own decisions.

If she doesn't want to go through her school's GP she can discuss with a sexual health clinic.

yeah she needs to work this out with the doctor herself

people are suggesting various things - implant, injection -

i had the injection and it was the worst time of my life - you can't just stop taking it - i had an awful 6 months waiting for the affects to wear off - wouldn't touch it!

Implant works for some - others find it horrific - it's not easy to just have it removed - you get fobbed off for ages!!

I'd probably start with the pill if i was her - see how she goes with that - at least with the pill - you can easily come off it if it's not agreeing with you!

Yeah, course she does!! Do parents actually believe their kids use condoms as well?!

Why not? I always did as a teenager. Couldn’t be bothered with dealing with the cleanup otherwise. I’ve now been married for 6 years and (except when TTC) still prefer to use condoms.

Not everyone has the same views on contraceptive choices...

I had the implant at 18, there was no way I'd have remembered to take a pill every day!

I'd advise the implant or injection. Too easy to forget to take a pill. You never think pregnancy Is going to happen at that age and its also a fun idea /experiment unfortunately so I'd advise more accident proof stuff. Have to sti chat too. She is 17 though so may not feel comfortable with you "interfering". If she was younger say 15 it would be different. I was 15 when I went on the pill (long term boyfriend 15 also. Stayed together 3 years) my mum got drunk and went ape shit at my nanny who helped me get the pill. Then went ape shit at me I don't regret it though. It was the most pure and innocent relationship I ever had!