Is Your Daughter Ready To Use Birth Control?

As the parent of a teenage daughter, one of the conversations you will undoubtedly have with her is about birth control. Whether your daughter approached you about the topic or you felt it was time to have it with her, you need to be prepared with the right information. To help you, here is what you need to know:

Is Your Daughter Ready to Have Sex?

Some parents believe that their teenage daughters asking about birth control is a sign that they are ready to have sex. This is not necessarily true. There are several reasons that teenagers ask about birth control.

Even though there is a possibility that your teen is ready to have sex, there is also a chance that she is not and only wants to be prepared if she decides to have an intimate relationship at a later point.

She could also be asking for health reasons. Many health classes discuss the benefits of using birth control to help with certain health conditions. For instance, using the pill to control acne and to regulate menstrual cycles is common among teenage girls.

The best course of action when your daughter asks is not to assume. An assumption could make it difficult for her to come to you in the future about important matters.

Are You Encouraging Promiscuity with Birth Control?

Some parents believe that helping their teen daughters get birth control is basically encouraging promiscuous behavior. However, this is not true.

Talking to your daughter about abstinence is important. Explain to her that waiting until she is older is an option. However, research has indicated that a promise of abstinence does not necessarily mean your daughter will refrain from having sex. It could mean an increased chance of her having unprotected sex though.  

Even though you might want to push abstinence only, you need to be honest with yourself. There is a possibility that your daughter could engage in sexual relations. Taking your daughter to an OB/GYN to discuss her options when it comes to birth control can improve the chances that she will be prepared if she does.

The OB/GYN can make sure your daughter has the information she needs to choose a birth control option that is right for her lifestyle and that will protect her from an unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Between you and the OB/GYN, you can be sure your daughter has the right answers to questions that she has. Getting the right information from you and the doctor is preferable to her receiving the wrong information from her peers. 

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