5 birth control options for youth to avoid unwanted pregnancies and STIs

Teenage being pregnant is extra frequent than you suppose. Roughly 21 million teen women develop into pregnant yearly, as per the info by the World Well being Organisation. Out of those, 12 million give beginning which modifications the course of their future. Lack of know-how is among the main issues why this occurs, which is why we have to encourage discussions round vital subjects akin to contraception use amongst youngsters. It helps them navigate their sexual well being journey confidently with none challenges. Youngsters ought to concentrate on barrier strategies of contraception to keep away from undesirable pregnancies and different issues.

What are barrier strategies of contraception for youth?

Barrier strategies are hormone-free strategies for youngsters to maintain being pregnant at bay. These have a tendency to incorporate condoms, contraceptive gels, and spermicides, together with diaphragms and cervical caps. Condoms are additionally identified to safeguard one from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and being pregnant. It’s a identified indisputable fact that sexually transmitted infections are frequent amongst teenagers. Therefore, they need to think about using a condom, explains Gynaecologist Dr Shruti Ugran.

Moreover, barrier strategies empower youngsters to actively take part of their reproductive decisions and promote a way of accountability towards their well-being.

Forms of barrier strategies of contraception for youth

A number of choices will help youngsters and youth keep away from undesirable pregnancies, together with:

1. Exterior condom (male condom)

Made up of artificial or pure materials, these condoms are probably the most generally used merchandise to keep away from being pregnant and sexually transmitted illnesses. These are designed to be put over the penis. Pure fiber condoms fail to safeguard in opposition to safety in opposition to sexually transmitted infections.

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• Professionals: These condoms could be bought with no prescription, usually are not so costly, straightforward to make use of, and efficient in stopping being pregnant.
• Cons: reasonably excessive failure price, pores and skin irritation, allergic reactions in some circumstances, and probably diminished sensation.

5 issues to find out about condoms to keep away from undesirable being pregnant

2. Inside condoms

An inner condom is a loose-fitting polyurethane sheath, consisting of versatile rings. One ring is positioned contained in the vagina or the anus, and the opposite is on the surface to efficiently forestall being pregnant. For a very long time, they had been known as feminine condoms however they can be utilized by any gender for vaginal or anal intercourse.

• Professionals: Retains management in your arms, doesn’t include hormones, is latex-free, is available in one measurement, is handy, could be mixed with different contraceptive strategies, works for oral and anal intercourse, and doesn’t diminish pleasure.
• Cons: comparatively much less efficient, more durable to search out, costlier than exterior condoms, much less discreet, uncomfortable for some individuals, could make much less pleasurable, and will slip misplaced.

3. Dental dam

A dental dam is a latex or artificial (nitrile or polyurethane) sheet that’s positioned over one’s penis, vulva, or vagina anus to maintain infections at bay whereas performing oral intercourse. This dam is offered with no prescription, explains Dr Ugran.

• Professionals: preventions of STIs, straightforward to make use of, handy, and non-hormonal.
• Cons: diminished sensation, restricted availability, problem to make use of, and never a contraceptive however assist forestall transmission of STIs.

4. Spermicides

Spermicides can be utilized with different strategies to assist keep away from being pregnant with none unwanted effects. It’s a kind of contraceptive that helps cease the sperm attain an egg within the feminine physique. It’s positioned within the vagina earlier than intercourse and is available in many kinds akin to lotions, foam, suppositories, and gels. Consider it as an additional layer of safety in case you are attempting to keep away from being pregnant.

• Professionals: handy to make use of, non-hormonal, extra barrier, and instant effectiveness.
• Cons: effectiveness, irritation, allergic reactions, discomfort, messy to make use of, can be utilized just for a brief period, and is probably not appropriate for individuals with underlying well being considerations.

Know this earlier than you employ spermicidal lotions and gels to forestall undesirable being pregnant

5. Contraceptive gel

It’s a gel that’s utilized contained in the vagina earlier than intercourse to cease sperm from assembly an egg. It really works similar to spermicide but it surely isn’t one.

• Professionals: Non-hormonal, straightforward to make use of, supplies extra barrier if used with one other contraceptive, and doesn’t cut back satisfaction.
• Cons: much less efficient than different contraceptives, messy to make use of, allergic response, irritation, quick period of motion, and never protecting in opposition to STIs.

Issues to bear in mind

• On the subject of selecting a barrier contraception technique for youngsters, contemplate your life-style and preferences.
• Talk about the choices with them with none hesitation will help you make an knowledgeable determination based mostly on particular person wants.
• Perceive the professionals and cons of every of those contraception strategies to search out probably the most appropriate one for you.

Dad and mom ought to be supportive of their youngsters in making accountable selections relating to barrier strategies of contraception to make sure they’ve a protected and wholesome sexual expertise.