You can bury your head in sand, or try to look the other way, but only foolish people wouldn’t admit that young people are sexually active in ways that previous generations weren’t. In addition to the rise of sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies are a major issue facing today’s young people and teenagers. Giving them information about birth control is crucial – and, more to the point, giving them completely comprehensive information about birth control is not just practical, but, otherwise nearly tyrannical.
Not all measures of birth control are effective. Of course, it is important when talking about birth control options, to make it very clear that the only 100% guaranteed effective birth control method is abstinence. Most young people don’t understand this completely when talking about birth control; they assume that different methods have similar prevention rates. On the flip side, it is completely impractical to consider abstinence as the only birth control option. Realistically, young people will explore sexuality, especially if you tell them not to. From my experience, I know that the surest way to get a teenager to do something is to tell them not to.
That said, talking about birth control options other than abstinence is not only appropriate, it is irresponsible not to. Condoms are a simple and inexpensive way to practice birth control and, while not 100%, is very effective. The pill (though now there are a wide variety of different pills) is also an effective choice, though it has a wide range of side effects. Sponges and other diaphragm devices vary widely, and can be costly. While some are very effective, not all of them are, and few if any of them actually prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. IUD is a strangely effective form of birth control, but is associated with numerous health side effects for the uterus and reproductive system. Exploring all the different birth control options allows young people to understand the different risks.
Having conversations about birth control, and the different benefits or negatives and risks in using them is not the same as giving your son or daughter permission to have sexual relationships. However, not giving them this information puts them at high risk for unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Don’t assume that others have given them this information or that they already know things, or that they will figure it out as they go. Talking about birth control in a straightforward and all-encompassing way is critical to the sexual health of young people.