Discuss the factors that influence adolescents' decisions about contraceptive use

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Although adolescent contraceptive use has increased in recent years, about 20 percent of sexually active teenagers in the United States are at risk for unintended pregnancy because they do not use contraception consistently. One reason is that advances in perspective taking lead teenagers, for a time, to be extremely concerned about what others think of them. Also, in the midst of everyday social pressures, adolescents often overlook the potential consequences of risky behaviors. And many teenagers—especially those from troubled, low-income families—do not have realistic expectations about the impact of early parenthood on their current and future lives. The social environment also contributes to adolescents' reluctance to use contraception. Those who lack the rewards of meaningful education and work are especially likely to engage in irresponsible sex, sometimes within exploitative relationships. In contrast, teenagers who report good relationships with parents and who talk openly with them about sex and contraception are more likely to use birth control. But few adolescents believe their parents would be understanding and supportive. School sex education classes, as well, often leave teenagers with incomplete or incorrect knowledge. Some do not know where to get birth control counseling and devices; those who do often worry that a doctor or family planning clinic might not keep their visits confidential. About 20 percent of adolescents using health services say that if their parents were notified, they would still have sex, but without contraception.