Mills, Taylor: Teens and Contraception

The articles mentioned that studies and surveys were conducted to show which contraceptive was more accepted by parents and sexually active teenagers. Also, the findings explained which method had more of an effect in controlling unintended pregnancy and sexual diseases. Several reasons were mentioned as to why one method was chosen over the other. In addition, clinicians gave advice on how to overcome concerns towards any method. 

There is a high number of sexually active teenagers. Charles Bankhead wrote, “42% of adolescents...have engaged in sexual intercourse.” Most use contraceptives, but it is the short-term methods that are favored over the long-term. Milly Dawson’s article mentioned that among parents involved in a phone survey about their opinions on the two methods of contraceptives rated birth control pills and condoms the highest. These are considered short-term methods; even teenagers had a similar acceptance towards the two. Dawson’s article goes on to say that when parents take their teenage daughters to health care visits, both are open to doctors giving birth control pills and condoms as the main methods. Lauren Hartman, a clinician, reasoned that parents are accepting of these practices because they are aware that their daughter or son may be sexually active but resist long-term methods because they may imply an ongoing sexual relationship.

Although short-term contraceptives have a higher usage rate, studies found that unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases were still high (Bankhead). These high percentages were found among sexually active teenagers. There are several reasons as to why short-term contraceptives and these unwanted health concerns are linked. However, none of the articles go into detail about the connection. It is an ironic situation but reasons were given as to why short term methods had a higher acceptance over long-term. In the phone survey, implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs) had the lowest acceptance rate ( Dawson). However, these are considered the most effective contraceptives. Pregnancy rates were less than 1% when females used a long-acting method (Bankhead). Members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reasoned that parents are misinformed about contraceptives such as IUDs and implants. Also, health costs and risks were considered factors as to why long-term methods were avoided (Bankhead). A board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist connected the concerns of parents with the Dalkon Shield incident. Hartman suggested that clinicians should do research on these methods and share that information with parents and teenagers (Dawson).