Safe Sex & Birth Control Options for Teens: A Guide

Question
Hi, I'm seventeen years old and have been dating my boyfriend for 2 years now. He and I want to have sex for the first time and we want to be as safe about it as possible; I don't want to rely on condoms alone. I want to talk to my mom about it but I've tried before and its impossible she just doesn't listen and she would just die if she thought I was considering having sex. I want to ask my doctor about birth control pills but I don't know how to go about asking for it without my mother finding out I want to have sex. I used to have very irregular periods but they aren't that bad anymore, even though they vary month to month between 26 and 35 days-its never consistent. I don't get cramps but I do have a very sharp stinging pain in my vagina the first two days of my period, that I think birth control might sooth. Is it a good idea to tell my doctor that I need birth control pills to help with my periods, or is a cycle variation of 26 to 35 days not bad enough to be prescribed birth control? And if I choose to tell my doctor I want birth control because I'm considering having sex will she have to keep that fact confidential from my mother, even though I'm only 17? Also what are some of the best forms of the pill to consider?

Answer
Hi Sarah,

I don't recommend you having sex at this time of your life. Many young people are refraining from sex until marriage. There is a possibility of pregnancy and STDs when engaging in sexual activity. So please spare yourself worry and possible heartache.

So anyway, I usually don't recommend hormonal birth control, such as pills, because of possible side effects and risks. I have done research on this for over 22 years now. Also, I don't know if the doctor would keep your conversations private but perhaps. You can ask the doctor.

Please email me at CHERYL51@aol.com so we can talk more privately. Hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl