Contraception for a 16 year old...

[loveyouradvice]

Hi I think my 16 year old is about to start needing this....I've posted in women's health too but thought several of you might be rather more knowledgeable.

Firstly wondering how you've had the conversation once it is looking like a reality, rather than aeons in the future.... and what you've thought important to cover in case it hadn't been absorbed earlier

Secondly - What's the current thinking? She's had lots of sex ed at school but I'd love to get myself up to speed a bit so that I can help recommend - while knowing she'll want to go to the doctor solo. She's also very environmentally aware, but not sure if that is relevant

The Pill - definitely an advantage as she has horrendous PMT, etc - so perhaps for a few years, and then something more wholesome once in a long term relationship? Presume still much more reliable than condom?

Condoms and pessaries were what I used until I was 24... Do people still? Or not a great option?

Various implants - feels like a big step?

Monitoring one's cycle and using safe periods - feels too young to do this, and I suspect only recommended in a long term relationship - I can imagine her doing this once married.

Is she not in a long term relationship then? What are these pessaries you mention? Whatever she uses should involve condoms to prevent STI's. I used condoms to start with and moved to the pill later on. Have also had the mirena coil.

I think that the pill is best at 16 tbh (and condoms for a new partner). As for a conversation - I would always start with consent. If there is anything that she doesn't want to do, feels uncomfortable with then she is allowed to say no. Always.

SoSobered - agree - consent is great place to start, and feels so important that they know this from the start.

And I wonder why the pill is best? Because it is the most reliable?

Avoiding pregnancy as a teen does feel far more important than later - although always important of course!

I'd be advising the implant and condoms. Less contraindications than the pill, no need to remember to take it every day, no stroke risk. And condoms for STI protection. The implant is very popular in that age group.

I'd speak to her in-depth about consent though. At 15 I went on the pill after discussing with my mum. I used condoms too. My boyfriend was 19 and I wonder now what the hell I was thinking. I certainly felt horny, but I also felt like it was normal and expected to be having sex. After being on mumsnet for a fair few months and reading about abusive relationships I now know that it was weird for a 19 year old man to be having sexual with a 15 year old. I met him when I was 14 and him 18, in a pub on his birthday. I wonder what the hell my parents were doing letting me be involved with him.

The pill is probably less invasive and easier to stop if it doesn't suit. I wouldnt fancy my arm being cut open for the implant tbh. Harder to get it removed too

I've just had an horrendous time with both the injection and the implant. The implant I bled for about 2 months straight, and the injection made me feel like I was losing my mind. At 16, (and when you have the conversation) you can remind her to take it until it is part of her routine.

Thank you all - very helpful. Luckily relationship is with a peer, but agree - consent consent consent - and hesitate if you are not sure