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Sex and Contraceptive Education for Teenagers

About 20% of the decline in teen pregnancy since the early 1990s is probably due to decreased sexual activity. According to the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), fewer teens are having sexual intercourse and teens have fewer sexual partners than they did in the past.

The other 80% of the decline is associated with more effective birth control practice. In particular, the number of teens who use condoms has increased significantly over the past 10 years. Sex and contraceptive education may be the most effective way to reduce teen pregnancy. Yet, teenagers are generally uninformed about the availability, efficiency, and choices of contraceptives available. Only 69% of U.S. school districts teach sex education. Most of these - 86% - promote abstinence (i.e., not having sex) instead of teaching teenagers how to protect themselves if they are going to have sex.

Sex and Contraceptive Education Components

• Teens must be educated and informed about how to change their sexual behavior and how to use contraceptives correctly. They need basic information about how to protect themselves and their reproductive health.
• Teenagers must develop skills in communication and sexual decision making so that sex does not just "happen."
• Teenagers must be made aware of the consequences of having more than one child at a young age. Twenty-five percent of teenage mothers give birth to a second baby within 2 years.

Birth Control
There are various birth control methods available for teenagers. Teens should talk to their health care provider to determine which is the best choice for them:

• Depo-Provera® is injected into a woman's arm muscle or buttocks every 3 months, requiring a visit to the doctor or health care professional. It prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation, altering the cervical mucus to make it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg, and preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. It also reduces menstrual cramps, iron-deficiency anemia, and the risk for endometrial cancer. Side effects include irregular periods, weight gain, and tender breasts.

• Norplant® is an implant that is inserted under the skin and is effective for up to 5 years. It is made up of 6 matchstick-sized rubber rods and must be inserted and removed by a professional health care provider. The newer Norplant II®, which has only 2 rods and is effective for up to 3 years, is not available in the United States. There is an increased risk for pregnancy in heavier women, but Norplant® failure is generally rare. Side effects include changes in the menstrual cycle, weight gain, and tender breasts.

• There are also a variety of low-dose birth control pills that are fairly safe and also reduce menstrual cramps and blood flow, regulate the menstrual cycle, and, in some cases, reduce acne.

• Condoms and contraceptive jelly reduce the risk for pregnancy and for sexually transmitted diseases.

• Emergency contraceptive pills, also known as "morning-after pills," are effective if taken within 72 hours after having unprotected sex. Most medical insurance companies cover them. They must be prescribed by a doctor or other health care professional if the woman is under 18.

Resources
National Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Parenting, and Prevention (NOAPPP)
2401 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20037
202.293.8370
www.noappp.org

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA)
810 7th Ave
New York, NY 10019
212.541.7800
www.plannedparenthood.org

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
1776 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
202.478.8500
www.teenpregnancy.org

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