Teenage being pregnant is extra widespread than you suppose. Roughly 21 million teen ladies change into pregnant yearly, as per the information by the World Well being Organisation. Out of those, 12 million give start which adjustments the course of their future. Lack of knowledge is among the main issues why this occurs, which is why we have to encourage discussions round necessary matters similar to contraception use amongst youngsters. It helps them navigate their sexual well being journey confidently with none challenges. Youngsters ought to pay attention to barrier strategies of contraception to keep away from undesirable pregnancies and different issues.

What are barrier strategies of contraception for youth?

Barrier strategies are hormone-free strategies for youngsters to maintain being pregnant at bay. These have a tendency to incorporate condoms, contraceptive gels, and spermicides, together with diaphragms and cervical caps. Condoms are additionally identified to safeguard one from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and being pregnant. It’s a identified incontrovertible fact that sexually transmitted infections are widespread amongst teenagers. Therefore, they need to think about using a condom, explains Gynaecologist Dr Shruti Ugran.

Moreover, barrier strategies empower youngsters to actively take part of their reproductive selections and promote a way of accountability towards their well-being.

Kinds of barrier strategies of contraception for youth

A number of choices will help youngsters and youth keep away from undesirable pregnancies, together with:

1. Exterior condom (male condom)

Made up of artificial or pure materials, these condoms are probably the most generally used merchandise to keep away from being pregnant and sexually transmitted ailments. These are designed to be put over the penis. Pure fiber condoms fail to safeguard in opposition to safety in opposition to sexually transmitted infections.

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• Execs: These condoms may be bought with no prescription, should not so costly, simple to make use of, and efficient in stopping being pregnant.
• Cons: reasonably excessive failure fee, pores and skin irritation, allergic reactions in some instances, and probably diminished sensation.

Additionally Learn: 5 issues to find out about condoms to keep away from undesirable being pregnant

2. Inside condoms

An inside condom is a loose-fitting polyurethane sheath, consisting of versatile rings. One ring is situated contained in the vagina or the anus, and the opposite is on the surface to efficiently stop being pregnant. For a very long time, they have been known as feminine condoms however they can be utilized by any gender for vaginal or anal intercourse.

• Execs: Retains management in your arms, doesn’t comprise hormones, is latex-free, is available in one dimension, is handy, may be mixed with different contraceptive strategies, works for oral and anal intercourse, and doesn’t diminish pleasure.
• Cons: comparatively much less efficient, tougher to seek out, dearer than exterior condoms, much less discreet, uncomfortable for some individuals, could make much less pleasurable, and will slip misplaced.

3. Dental dam

A dental dam is a latex or artificial (nitrile or polyurethane) sheet that’s positioned over one’s penis, vulva, or vagina anus to maintain infections at bay whereas performing oral intercourse. This dam is out there with no prescription, explains Dr Ugran.

• Execs: preventions of STIs, simple to make use of, handy, and non-hormonal.
• Cons: diminished sensation, restricted availability, problem to make use of, and never a contraceptive however assist stop transmission of STIs.

4. Spermicides

Spermicides can be utilized with different strategies to assist keep away from being pregnant with none unwanted side effects. It’s a kind of contraceptive that helps cease the sperm attain an egg within the feminine physique. It’s positioned within the vagina earlier than intercourse and is available in many varieties similar to lotions, foam, suppositories, and gels. Consider it as an additional layer of safety if you’re making an attempt to keep away from being pregnant.

• Execs: handy to make use of, non-hormonal, extra barrier, and rapid effectiveness.
• Cons: effectiveness, irritation, allergic reactions, discomfort, messy to make use of, can be utilized just for a brief period, and is probably not appropriate for individuals with underlying well being issues.

Additionally Learn: Know this earlier than you employ spermicidal lotions and gels to stop undesirable being pregnant

5. Contraceptive gel

It’s a gel that’s utilized contained in the vagina earlier than intercourse to cease sperm from assembly an egg. It really works similar to spermicide nevertheless it isn’t one.

• Execs: Non-hormonal, simple to make use of, supplies extra barrier if used with one other contraceptive, and doesn’t scale back satisfaction.
• Cons: much less efficient than different contraceptives, messy to make use of, allergic response, irritation, brief period of motion, and never protecting in opposition to STIs.

Issues to bear in mind

• Relating to selecting a barrier contraception technique for youngsters, contemplate your way of life and preferences.
• Talk about the choices with them with none hesitation will help you make an knowledgeable determination primarily based on particular person wants.
• Perceive the professionals and cons of every of those contraception strategies to seek out probably the most appropriate one for you.

Mother and father ought to be supportive of their youngsters in making accountable selections concerning barrier strategies of contraception to make sure they’ve a protected and wholesome sexual expertise.