Contraception

It's not always easy for parents to talk about sex and contraception with their teenagers during puberty. But the topic is important, even if it is sensitive and pubescent children are often embarrassed in front of their own parents. After all, teen pregnancy can turn your entire life plan upside down. Here's how to start a conversation with your child about contraception.

Most young people today come into contact with the topic of sex at an early age, due in no small part to the media. It is therefore all the more important that you talk to your child in good time about contraceptive issues, responsibility and feelings - and explain why the subject is so close to your heart: you want your child to protect itself against sexually transmitted diseases. You want your child to experience sex as a positive experience - without fear of pregnancy. You want to make it clear how great the risk of unwanted pregnancy is during unprotected sexual intercourse. Your daughter should be just as aware of this as your son, because the responsibility is always borne by both.

Information is a fixed part of the curriculum at German schools from the 5th grade onwards. But when it comes to sexual intercourse, young people need more than just medical knowledge from theoretical books. But when is it time to talk about sex and contraception? It's best not to talk to your teenager when their first steady boyfriend or girlfriend is already on the doorstep. By then, your offspring may have already had sexual experiences.

It is easiest to talk about shameful topics such as sexuality if you have openly answered your child's questions about sex education from an early age. If you have a good relationship of trust with your teenager, take up the subject in an uninhibited manner when the opportunity arises. Remain relaxed and signal your willingness to talk, even if your child blocks.

The topic is difficult for you? Maybe a factual hook will help you to get into the conversation about contraception. For example, the topic of HPV vaccination offers a good transition. In addition, your daughter's first menstruation and your son's first ejaculation can be a good time to talk about contraception, because your child is now sexually mature. Perhaps a casual reference to an educational brochure, a book or an Internet site where teenagers can find out about contraception, contraceptive methods and responsibility on their own will also help. Always pass along the info material with the note that your child can always contact you with questions.

You may feel free to admit that your child will find better advice elsewhere, such as at a gynecologist's office or counseling center. The important thing is that you bring up the topic of contraception at all. This shows your child that it is not a taboo subject. At the same time, you encourage your son and daughter to talk about the topic with their girlfriend or boyfriend. Because contraception always concerns both partners.

Young people are usually strapped for cash, so it also matters to them what contraception costs. Good to know: Contraceptives that a doctor prescribes (for example, the pill or the IUD) are available free of charge at the pharmacy for young people under 22 with the prescription. Parents do not necessarily have to be informed about this. If your child is between 14 and 16 years old, the doctor will decide whether to prescribe the pill without telling parents after a personal assessment during the consultation. From 16 years of age, this is usually the rule.

Even with conscientious contraception, a mishap can occur: Your son's condom breaks, your daughter has not taken the pill regularly ... Make it clear to your child that in this case he or she can come to you in confidence at any time to consider together how to proceed. Information on the topics "Pregnant under 20" and "Unwanted pregnancy" can be found here on the family portal.