How to Avoid Teenage Pregnancy
An unplanned pregnancy can change your life the moment you read the positive test result. If you want to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, there are things you can do to minimize your chance of getting pregnant! Discover several tips to avoid teenage pregnancy:
1. Use Birth Control Effectively
Birth control is used to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. However, its effectiveness depends on how accurate you use it and/or take it. It’s important to note that every birth control option must be used differently, has certain side effects, and offers varying levels of protection.
There are many different types of birth control, such as condoms, the vaginal ring, birth control pill, implant, patch, and intrauterine device (IUD). According to statistics from the Center of Disease Control & Prevention:
- More than 4 in 5 teenagers (86%) used birth control the last time they had sex.
- Less than 5% of teenagers on birth control used the most effective types.
It’s healthy to be the person in the relationship to use birth control to ensure the possibility of risk is in your own hands. This eliminates the need to depend on your partner for your health and safety.
2. Limit Sex to One Partner
Limiting sex to one partner won’t eliminate your chance of getting pregnant altogether, but it will help you know who the father is if you do get pregnant. By having sex with only one person, you are also building a healthier sexual experience for both you and your partner.
Another advantage of a monogamous relationship is it creates less opportunities to obtain sexually transmitted infections. It is highly recommended to get tested for STIs if you are having unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, or before entering a new sexual relationship.
3. Choose Not to Have Sex
Realistically, the only way to ensure you absolutely do not get pregnant is by not having sex. There are other benefits to not having sex, such as:
- Avoid pregnancy outside of marriage
- Concentrate on work, friends, or school
- Focus on other relationship elements
- Prevent sexually transmitted infections
Talk to Women’s Clinic of Atlanta About Your Sexual Health
Whether you have questions about which birth control to use or need to get tested for an STI, give us a call today. The best thing you can do to optimize your sexual health is ask questions and understand your options! Our friendly medical professionals are here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment.