Birth Control Devices and Teenagers

Birth control devices refer to tools or methods that prevent pregnancy. There are various ways of birth control, which may be classified to natural and artificial methods. These methods have been in existence and have been employed by many since the ancient times (Nagel). Birth control devices may also be classified according to the way by which they prevent conception or pregnancy. Following the latter classification, there would be four types of birth control devices, namely, chemical, barrier, intrauterine devices (IUD), and fertility cycle planning (Nagel).

Many couples already employ these devices in planning their family, and many women have adopted the use of various methods, such as the pill. For example, it is estimated that more than half the female population of the United States already uses a form of contraception (Nagel). Despite the widespread use, however, controversies revolving around the ethical and religious aspects of contraception remain intense (Nagel); and this remains especially true in cases of teenagers.

Parents would probably be the last person that a young person would consult regarding the use of birth control devices, due to the inherent sensitivity of the topic and the barriers to communication between parents and their children (Richardson). However, considering the important role that contraceptives may play in preventing young adults from getting pregnant without having adequate preparations and the high probability of young adults in engaging in premarital sex, parents might do well to consider talking to their children about the use of contraceptives so that the latter would have correct information and guidance.

The existence of barriers to communication between parents and their children is well documented. Studies show that there is an apparent disconnection between parents and young adolescents (Richardson). This is particularly true among the American population (Richardson). To illustrate, surveys of more than 100, 000 adolescents in the United States show that only twenty-six percent (26%) of adolescents found their parents approachable enough to initiate a conversation with (Richardson).

However, such communication could spell the difference between a good and bad future for young adults. Teenagers are besieged by various issues, dilemmas, and changes during adolescence, including physical and hormonal changes (Richardson). At this critical age, issues concerning sex and birth control bother teenagers (Richardson). Therefore, this is the age when parents need to establish a strong communication link between them and their children so that they could give significant pieces of advice.

This way, children would not turn to outside sources, which could turn out to be unsafe or unfavorable. Keeping communication lines open between parents and children, even on highly sensitive issues like premarital sex and contraception, helps establish a good relationship among them. This way, parents are effectively expressing their unquestioning parental and emotional support to their children. They are also providing them with invaluable guidance in living life responsibly.

They are also not turning a blind eye to the reality to the lifestyle and practices of teenagers nowadays. Finally, it is best that teenagers know they can turn to their parents for support rather than to other people, who might provide wrong or unwise pieces of advice. Works Cited Nagel, Rob. “Birth Control Methods. ” Body by Design: From the Digestive System to the Skeleton. (2000). Richardson, Rhonda. “Early Adolescence Talking Points: Questions that Middle School Students Want To Ask Their Parents. ” Family Relations.

53 (2004): 87-94 Outline: Birth Control Devices and Teenagers I. Introduction A. Birth control devices B. The introduction of birth control devices to teenagers by their parents II. Body A. Teenagers are becoming more sexually active nowadays B. Parents do not have effective communication with their children C. Parents can build good relations with their children by being open about sex matters III. Conclusion A. Summary of the body B. Parents are the best person to introduce birth control devices to their teen children.