Contraception for teenagers.

What is contraception?

Contraception encompasses all the methods used to prevent pregnancy in any person with
ovaries and a uterus. Abstinence is 100% effective in prevention, but realistically, in the US,
more than a quarter of high-school teenagers claim to be sexually active. In Canada, more than
half of teenagers under 17 claim to have had a sexual relationship. A large proportion of them
don’t use contraception and therefore remain at risk of unwanted pregnancies. The
consequences of these unplanned pregnancies include abortion, loss of self-esteem, dropping
out of school, rejection by family, change in life plans, and the maintenance of the circle of
poverty.

Several methods of contraception can be used alone or in combination to help prevent the risk
of pregnancy. Hormonal methods include; implants, IUDs, injections, patches, vaginal rings,
and the pill. Non-hormonal methods include; copper coil and barrier methods such as condoms,
diaphragms, sponges, and spermicides. Surgical procedures such as vasectomy and tubal
ligation are generally reserved for adults. The contraceptive pill remains a good choice but is
less effective than long-term reversible means of contraception such as the implant and the
intrauterine device.

It’s important to note that only condoms can prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

The new contraception recommendations for teenagers suggest IUDs (intra-uterine devices)
and contraceptive implants should be used as first-line contraceptives since they are not user-
dependent, easy to use, and highly effective. However, it has also been shown that adolescents
take their contraceptives better if they feel they have been involved in the decision-making
process which is also in line with their preferences and values.

In the event of sexual intercourse where no contraceptive method was used, emergency
contraception to prevent fertilization is available. Still, it should be noted that this is not a
contraceptive method. KixCare professionals can prescribe it during the contraception
encounter to make sure it is available for your teen if the contraceptive method is forgotten, not
used properly, or fails. The pharmacist is also allowed to prescribe it.

The role of parents in discussing contraception.

In the event of sexual intercourse where no contraceptive method was used, emergency
contraception to prevent fertilization is available. Still, it should be noted that this is not a
contraceptive method. KixCare professionals can prescribe it during the contraception
encounter to make sure it is available for your teen if the contraceptive method is forgotten, not
used properly, or fails. The pharmacist is also allowed to prescribe it.

Can a teenager be prescribed contraception without parental consent?

YES! The law allows teenagers to receive care such as contraceptive prescriptions, STI
counseling and screening, and vaccines (HPV, hepatitis) if they are deemed mature enough
and able to understand the nature of treatments and their consequences. This confidentiality
clause maximizes the chances of adolescents confiding in healthcare professionals about the
nature of their practices, and receiving reliable information and appropriate treatment. It is
recommended that parents encourage their teenagers to consult a health professional to talk
about sexual health and other subjects, and/or to allow their teenager to talk to a healthcare
professional alone if they are consulting jointly.

How to choose the right contraceptive?

KixCare’s healthcare professionals are available to guide your child’s choice. We’ll check
whether your child has any medical contraindications or medications that could interact with the
chosen contraceptive. It’s also worth noting that some teenagers may benefit from
contraception to manage irregular and heavy menstrual flow, acne, and painful menstrual
whether or not they are sexually active.

Our KixTeam can help you and your teenager choose the best contraceptive to suit their
choices and preferences, learn how to administer the chosen method, what to do if the
contraceptive is missed, and possible side effects. We will also provide expert advice about the
best ways to protect against sexually transmitted infections and the importance of vaccinating
against hepatitis B and HPV.