It may be critical to identify why teen pregnancy is a concerning issue. First, there are several significant problems closely related to teen pregnancy. Second, the issue is particularly relevant in the U.S. as more than half a million teenagers get pregnant every year, with approximately 60 % not graduating from school as a consequence (Sundstrom & Delay, 2020).
The issue of teen pregnancy is closely linked with sexually transmitted diseases or STDs. Such infections as herpes, hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV occur in adolescence more frequently due to a lack of issue-related information. It may be vital to obtain sufficient knowledge regarding STDs to prevent their spread.
STDs may cause severe health damage and require timely diagnosis and specific treatment, which may vary depending on the case. Hence, it is critical to take certain steps to prevent STDs. First, it is beneficial to attend sexual health screening regularly. Second, barrier contraceptives and vaccination may significantly decrease the risk of infection. Finally, abstinence is the most effective way of preventing both pregnancy and STD spread.
As already mentioned, sufficient knowledge is vitally important regarding teen pregnancy and STDs prevention. Therefore, a wide variety of settings should be utilized to receive the needed healthcare or advice (Brindis, 2017). First, attending a physician’s office is the most reliable way of obtaining advice and healthcare. Second, school districts may provide the necessary help. Finally, there is a wide variety of educational websites designed to introduce issue-related information to teenagers. It is essential to reach for help as timely diagnosis and relevant advice are the keystones of successful treatment.
There is a wide variety of birth control methods. These methods may provide distinct levels of effectiveness and have different advantages and disadvantages. Implants and intrauterine devices are the most effective in terms of birth control. However, these methods do not provide STD protection. Oral contraceptives and injections represent the most commonly used birth control methods (Sundstrom & Delay, 2020). Nonetheless, it may be essential to consult with the doctor before taking oral contraceptives. It may be necessary to introduce appropriate hormone combinations and dosage to avoid possible health issues.
Even though condoms may appear to be an effective method of pregnancy prevention, they have higher failure rates than other contraceptives. Every fifteen cases out of a hundred may result in pregnancy annually (Sundstrom & Delay, 2020). However, condoms provide high protection rates against STDs. Hence, it may be beneficial to use condoms in combination with other contraceptives. For example, condoms may be used to prevent STDs, and oral contraceptives may be taken in order to ensure birth control.
More reliable contraceptives still have significant rates of failure. Hence abstinence is the most effective way of pregnancy prevention. Mutual masturbation or oral sex may represent some methods of getting sexual release without penetration. However, it may be beneficial to use condoms in order to prevent STDs.
Pregnancy is related to a significant number of procedures and complicated care. Therefore, it may be essential to consider diverse birth control methods in order to prevent unwanted consequences. Prenatal care may include regular physical examinations, including pelvic examinations. Urine tests may be conducted regularly to diagnose various pregnancy-related issues. Blood tests are an inseparable part of prenatal care as it is essential to identify blood type and comprehensively assess the state of health. STD-related screening may also be conducted. Prenatal care represents a list of necessary, time-consuming, and costly procedures.
Pregnancy is a complicated process that contains significant risks and requires constant care. Adolescent pregnancies may represent even more risks due to the organism’s unpreparedness. Mothers aged 10-19 may face significant eclampsia and puerperal endometritis risks. Moreover, it may affect newborns as preterm delivery and low birth weights may occur. Abortions are not always an option as the costs are rapidly increasing, and in some cases, abortions may cause physical and mental health problems. Therefore, it is essential to take sufficient action to prevent pregnancy instead of dealing with the consequences (Darroch et al., 2018).
As already mentioned, prenatal care is related to high financial costs. Moreover, abortions are becoming more and more expensive annually, making financial losses an inseparable part of pregnancy. Raising a child may cost up to $15000 annually during early childhood and up to $300000 in total. Furthermore, teen pregnancy may prevent school graduation and further education. Hence, it is vital to consider using different birth control methods not only to prevent health issues but also to reduce financial costs.
References
Brindis, C. D. (2017). Advancing the field of teenage pregnancy prevention through community-wide pregnancy prevention initiatives. Journal of Adolescent Health, 60(3), S1-S2.
Darroch, J. E., Audam, S., & Woog, V. (2018). Adding It Up: Costs and Benefits of Meeting the Contraceptive Needs of Adolescents. Supplementary Data Tables.
Sundstrom, B., & Delay, C. (2020). Birth Control Today. Birth Control. Web.