Birth Control

 

Sexually active adolescents should have access to accurate and reliable birth control education and resources to prevent unintentional pregnancies. At Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, board-certified OB/GYN and fellowship-trained Oluyemisi Adeyemi-Fowode, MD, specializes in helping adolescents choose the best method of birth control for their needs. The medical team offers several contraception options. Pills, patches, rings, injections, and long-acting reversible contraception such as the implant and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Call Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology in Sugar Land, Texas, today to schedule an adolescent birth control consultation or book an appointment online.

 

Birth Control Q & A

 

 

What is birth control?

 

Birth control (contraception) describes methods that prevent unintentional pregnancies in sexually active adolescents.

 

The team at Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology may also prescribe hormonal birth control to treat menstrual disorders, such as irregular periods or heavy menstrual bleeding, in adolescents.

 

 

What types of birth control are available?

 

There are several methods of birth control available at Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology to protect sexually active adolescents from unwanted pregnancy. These methods include:

 

Barrier methods like sponges, diaphragms, and cervical caps prevent eggs from meeting sperm for fertilization.

 

Condoms are another type of barrier birth control that prevents pregnancy and also offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

 

Hormonal methods of birth control affect your ovulation cycle to prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries for fertilization. There are several types of hormonal birth control options available including:

 

• Pills
• Patches
• Implants
• Injections
• Vaginal rings

 

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are available in both hormonal and non-hormonal forms. A hormonal IUD is a T-shaped device that fits inside your uterus and delivers a steady stream of hormones to stop the release of your eggs.

 

Non-hormonal IUDs like ParaGard® don’t contain any hormones. Instead, they use copper to prevent pregnancy. Copper is toxic to sperm and also triggers an inflammatory reaction in your uterus to protect against the fertilization of eggs with sperm.

 

 

What is the best method of birth control for adolescents?

 

The team at Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology helps sexually active teens make the right decision when choosing a birth control.

 

There are several factors to consider when choosing birth control, including convenience, and the overall health history of the adolescents. The team spends time reviewing your medical history to ensure what is best suited for you.

 

Some methods of birth control are more convenient than others. For instance, if you want long-lasting protection from pregnancy, you should consider the benefits of an IUD, which can last 3-6 years. If you’re currently using contraception but aren’t happy with it, the team can review your needs before suggesting other options.

 

To schedule a birth control consultation for your teen, call Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology today or book an appointment online.