Talking to your teen about birth control

Birth control is a delicate subject to discuss with teenagers. However, it's important to inform them about the methods available so that they can make an informed choice.

What methods are available?

There are many different types of birth control. Some are very effective, while others may have undesirable side effects. 

Everyone knows the condom. It's an effective barrier method that offers the advantage of protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It's inexpensive and has no side effects.

There are also so-called "natural" methods, which have higher failure rates than barrier or hormonal methods. These include the calendar method, the temperature method, exclusively breastfeeding, or monitoring cervical mucus (vaginal discharge). These methods offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections. The only completely safe and effective "natural" method is total abstinence.

Hormonal contraceptive methods are often the most popular. They are effective, and people tolerate them well. In fact, despite some possible side effects, hormonal methods are often the first choice for teenagers. They include the pill, patch, vaginal ring, implant and hormonal IUD. Hormone-free IUDs are also available and may be an option if hormones are contraindicated. The choice of method should be discussed with the healthcare professional to ensure that it meets the user's needs.

When should birth control be discussed?

It's not easy to know when to talk to your child about birth control. Obviously, adolescence is a time of change, questions and new experiences. It’s the ideal time to have a conversation about birth control. Keep in mind that talking about birth control will not encourage your child to have sex. Rather, the purpose of the conversation is to demonstrate the importance of using a means of protection. It's best to have this kind of talk before your child becomes sexually active. Of course, there's no set age at which this discussion should take place. You're in the best position to know whether your child is ready or not. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Tips to broach the subject

If it's not easy to know when to bring up the subject, it's even harder to know how to broach it. An open mind and listening are key. Often, the school system has already laid the foundations. In fact, the subject of sexuality is covered in some classes, even in primary school. A good starting point is to question the level of knowledge your kid has. Young people often know a lot more about the subject than we think. If you're uncomfortable, you can give them references so they can read up on the subject or encourage them to speak to their school nurse. It's important not to take on a moralizing tone. Simply explain the importance of using birth control to avoid unwanted pregnancy or contracting an STI. 

Take the time to have the talk

During your talk, it might also be a good time to discuss consent with your child. Just because all your child's friends are sexually active doesn't mean your child is. It's important to remind your child of the importance of saying "no." 

These discussions are important for both boys and girls. Birth control is a two-way street. 

If you have any questions or concerns about birth control, your pharmacist is there to help. Don't hesitate to consult them if you have any doubts.