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To what extent do contraceptive methods protect us from pregnancy?
Teenagers who decide to have sex can choose from a number of options in order to reduce the risk of an unwanted pregnancy.
Condoms are one of the most popular birth control methods. But they must be used consistently and correctly. Otherwise, they have a relatively high risk of failure.
Hormonal methods of birth control, such as contraceptive pills should not be used without a gynaecologist’s approval.
How effectively do contraction methods protect from an unwanted pregnancy?
The failure rate of male condoms is about 3% when used consistently and correctly, every time a couple has sex.
But when used inconsistently or incorrectly, the failure rate rises from 11% to 16%.
This means that about 11 to 16 women out of 100 will get pregnant in the first year they use condoms.
The female condom is not available in the Greek market, but the probability for it to fail in preventing an unwanted pregnancy is high.
The contraceptive pill when used correctly will lead to unwanted pregnancy in less than 1% of cases.
However, if used incorrectly, the chance of pregnancy increases.
Remember that the pill does not protect from sexually transmitted diseases.
Remember that the pill does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases
What is the most effective method of protection for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
The answer is again condoms.
Using a condom, the male partner reduces the likelihood of both him and, of course, his female partner being exposed to a sexually transmitted disease through contact of the genitals or through body fluids.
However, the chance of a disease being transmitted will remain small only if the condom is used correctly and throughout the duration of intercourse.
It is easy to get condoms, as they are sold in many places, from pharmacies to supermarkets.
Do other types of intercourse offer protection?
Sexually transmitted infections can also be transmitted by oral sex.
Sexually transmitted diseases are mainly viruses or bacteria which enter the body through tiny cuts in the skin or mucous membranes during intercourse.
Any kind of sexual intercourse gives rise to transmission possibilities.
Herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, the condyloma virus, hepatitis A, B and C and the HIV virus can be transmitted through any kind of sexual activity.
The only way to be a 100% free from risks for STDs is to not have sex.
Teenagers and young adults have the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections than any other age group.
The human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common venereal disease in teenagers 14-19 years who have not been vaccinated.
Should you talk with your partner about both your previous sexual activity?
On the one hand, communication creates greater intimacy between partners and, on the other, it makes us take responsibility and show maturity with respect to guarding our health.
It will help you set your limits and discuss safe sex practices.
Plain assurances that someone is sexually healthy are not sufficient since many STDs may not always cause symptoms. For example, most women and half of men infected with chlamydia have no symptoms.
However, there are tests that will help you find out, and then you will know how to protect yourselves.
Will you talk to your parents before you have sexual intercourse for the first time?
The teenage girls who will talk to their parents or just with their mum in order to learn about safe sexual practices are more likely to start their sexual life without stress and with greater safety.
Classmates are, undoubtedly, an unreliable source of information and even worse, a source of pressure on girls to start sexual relationships, even if they do not feel the need to or are not yet ready to do so.
Many mums will ask their gynaecologist to inform their daughter about safe methods of contraception and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.
All surveys show that when teenagers discuss their relationships with their parents, the result is a higher probability for safe sex, fewer risks to their health and healthier relationships.
Do you have any questions?
Do not hesitate to contact us
Tel.: 210 6428674 – 210 6451818
