National Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Month

According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “adolescents who discuss sexuality and contraception with a parent or guardian are more likely to use contraception consistently and are less likely to become pregnant.” With May being National Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Month, we wanted to discuss how we address adolescent sexual health and give you some topics to discuss at home. Here are a few answers to our most commonly asked questions.

What is an OB/GYN visit like for an adolescent?

A visit to discuss contraceptive options/sexual health for an adolescent often involves a general physical exam and discussing options with the doctor. While a brief external genital exam could also be included, a pelvic exam is rarely necessary. This is important to note because teens may avoid contraception options that require a doctors’ visit due to fear of pelvic exams. For more information, check out these frequently asked questions about a teen’s first gynecologic visit.

Will a parent/guardian be in the room during the appointment?

This depends on the comfort level of the adolescent. In Virginia, teens can obtain birth control at any age without parental consent. It’s up to the patient to decide whether they want a private appointment, their guardian in the room the entire time, or their guardian in the room for just part of the appointment. Typically, we ask parents to leave the room for part of the appointment so we can have private discussions with the teens.

What kind of contraceptive methods are available for adolescents?

Any FDA approved contraceptive methods are safe for adolescents and young adults, including long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, like IUDs and implants. Your doctor will ask questions to help determine the best fit. You can learn more about different forms of birth control here.

Which is more effective: condoms or birth control pills?

While birth control pills are a more effective contraceptive, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. So, it is best to use both condoms and birth control pills.

If you have additional questions about adolescent appointments, feel free to call or have your teen call our office anytime.