Carpenter, Kayla: Teens and Contraception

            Researchers have conducted many surveys to determine the most effective and accepted contraceptive methods for teenagers. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) have proved to be the best form of birth control with very low pregnancy rates. However among parents, IUDs had the lowest acceptance rate and birth control pills had the highest. Other birth control methods accepted by parents include condoms, injectable contraceptives, emergency contraception, and birth control patches. Long-acting reversible methods, such as IUDs, have pregnancy rates of less than 1% per year. Yet, of teenagers who use contraceptive methods, less than 5% use long-acting reversible methods. Short-acting methods, such as birth control pills and condoms, are more popular among teenagers and more accepted by parents although they have higher pregnancy rates. Intrauterine devices are most likely less common due to the public's lack of familiarity, misperceptions, expensive cost, difficulty to access, and many safety issues. These risky health issues are among one of the main reasons parents disapprove using IUDs. Due to the high cost of long-acting reversible methods, some recommend that teens go to public clinics to obtain them. Also, intrauterine devices do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) which is why doctors still recommend the use of condoms with IUDs. Many parents disagree with allowing their daughters to use IUDs because of the perceived risks; yet, clinicians are attempting to educate parents of the effectiveness of long-acting reversible methods and of STDs. However, clinicians have predicted parents associate long-acting reversible methods with a continuous sexual relationship. Another reason for parents' disapproval is because of the Dalkon shield. The Dalkon shield was an IUD that caused many harsh side effects. According to Cori Baill, M.D., parents should be aware that the risks of pregnancy are greater than the possible side effects of either short- or long-acting contraceptive methods.