IUD's for Teen Girls?

Pic from here

     Some of you may know what the IUD is.  Other's may have never heard about it.  There has been a lot of discussion lately about IUDs being suggested as a better form of birth control for teenage girls.  The IUD or intrauterine device, is a small flexible t-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor in order to prevent pregnancy.

IUD in place inside the uterus
Pic from here

There are two types of IUD's.  One being hormonal (Mirena) and the other being copper (ParaGard).

Hormonal IUD's can stay in place for up to 5 years.  They prevent pregnancy by making the uterine lining thin and also thickening the cervical mucous making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.  Mirena is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.  For more information on this IUD please visit www.mirena.us.com

Copper IUD's can stay in place for up to 10 years.  They are 100% hormone free and also prevent pregnancy by making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.  Paragard is also 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.  For more information on this IUD please visit www.paragard.com

Many people have their opinions about whether this is a good option for teenagers.  The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is recommending this form of birth control to teenage girls because it is longer lasting and more effective due to the fact that it's not something that has to be taken everyday and there is less room for error.  Doctors say the IUD is extremely safe and many are starting to recommend it to their teenage patients. This form of birth control can cost around $500 or more.  This may be covered by insurance and in the long run it could be cheaper than using another form of birth control month by month.

I am personally all for teenage pregnancy prevention.  I know from years of experience that teenagers have an issue with birth control.  I know that many do not use it or do not use it correctly.  I believe that teenagers have a certain mentality in which they believe they are invincible.  Birth control is needed but when thinking about starting birth control I worry that teens over look the fact that BC does not prevent the spread of STD's and HIV.  CONDOMS ARE THE ONLY METHOD TO PREVENT DISEASE!  Birth control, when used correctly, can prevent unplanned pregnancy but teens need to be educated and they need to understand that condoms must be used.  Contracting an STD could change your life.  So while doctors and educators continue to suggest different forms of birth control let's not forget the absolute importance of reminding sexually active teens that condoms are the ONLY way to prevent the contraction of an STD.

If you are interested in the IUD or any other form of birth control method please discuss your options with your doctor.  Research the method you think is best for you and make sure to educate yourself before making any decisions.  And remember if you are a teen having sex USE CONDOMS!

For more information on birth control options visit one of these sites:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control-4211.htm
http://www.acog.org/For_Patients

Be Safe. Put You First.
-Chelsie Prince

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Leave us a comment.

What are your thoughts on the IUD?  Do you believe this is a good option for teen girls?