More and more often we are seeing young girls getting pregnant and having to face major struggles as a result of becoming a teen mom. Having a child brings along a large number of responsibilities that some young women may not be prepared to face. Most girls should be thinking about finishing high school and going to college, yet some may be preparing to give birth while trying to make adjustments for the future. As young girls and boys start becoming sexually active it is important to make sure they are knowledgeable about how to prevent an undesired teenage pregnancy.
In this OneHowTo article we share 5 ways to prevent a teenage pregnancy.
Refrain from having sex
During adolescence love starts to grow fonder and many teenagers quickly find themselves in a relationship. Hormonal activity is at its peak and it often encourages teens to engage in sexual practices. At a young age, it is easy to be driven by quick impulses and desires without considering the consequences. This is leading to more and more teens have sex at a young age. There is actually no rush to have sex, and effectively, abstinence is a sure way to prevent a teenage pregnancy.
Learn how to have safe sex
As much as abstinence may be preferred, we know that taking a radical stance on the issue often doesn’t help. Perhaps by looking at how teenagers can be correctly informed about safe sex might be a more successful approach. Many schools impart sex education courses, which along parental advice can offer teenagers trustworthy resources to take. When these options are not viable it may worth carrying some additional research on some of the most common sex myths such as if “pulling out” is safe enough to prevent getting pregnant.
Always use protection
With the theory covered, there comes the practice. At the time of sex, it is important to always carry on some form of protection. One of the most common used forms of protection is the condom. These are sold in many convenience stores, pharmacies and doctors' offices. Alternatively, many young girls are prescribed the birth control pill by their gynecologist as soon as they start becoming sexually active. Not all forms of protection may work the same for all people, thus it is important to follow professional advice.
Find supportive environments
One of the main reasons contributing to young girls and boys starting to have sex is peer pressure. Similarly to drinking and smoking, many teenagers feel pressured to follow their friends’ habits due to the fear of missing out or being left out. At the end of the day, you are responsible for your own decisions and for the consequences that they will create. Many of these choices are often regretted and it is important that you surround yourself with people that will support you instead of criticize your actions.
Understand the consequences
At the spark of the moment, it is easy to become oblivious to how one single decision can have ripple effects all along your life. It is a large commitment to decide to become a parent, more so when you might have not grown out of your parents yet. At a young age not many people may have gotten to experience the hardships in life and thus may fail to comprehend how a pregnancy can become a major life changing event. While many young women decide to take the morning after pill, not having to take it from the beginning may be a much safer option.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
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