Contraception

Discussing sex and contraception openly with teenagers during puberty is not always easy for parents. But the topic is important, even if it is sensitive and often embarrassing for pubescent children in front of their own parents. After all, a teenage pregnancy can turn your entire life plan upside down. Here you can find out how to talk to your child about contraception.

Most young people today come into contact with the topic of sex at an early age, not least due to the media. This makes it all the more important that you talk to your child about contraception, responsibility and feelings at an early age - and explain why the topic is so important to you: You want your child to protect themselves from 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 always lies with both of you.

Sex education is an integral part of the curriculum at German schools from Year 5 onwards. However, 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 boyfriend or girlfriend is just around the corner. By then, your offspring may already have had sexual experiences.

The easiest way to talk about shameful topics such as sexuality is if you have openly answered your child's educational questions from an early age. If you have a good relationship of trust with your teenager, approach the topic in a relaxed manner when the opportunity arises. Stay relaxed and signal your willingness to talk, even if your child blocks it.

Do you find the topic difficult? Perhaps a factual hook will help to get the conversation going about contraception. For example, the HPV vaccination is a good transition. Your daughter's first menstruation and your son's first ejaculation can also provide an opportunity to talk about contraception, as your child is now sexually mature. It may also be helpful to casually refer to an educational brochure, a book or a website where teenagers can find out about contraception, contraceptive methods and responsibility on their own. Always pass on the information material with the note that your child can contact you at any time with questions.

You can admit that your child will find better advice elsewhere, for example in a gynecological practice or at an advice 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 short of money, so the cost of contraception also plays a role for them. Good to know: Contraceptives prescribed by a doctor (for example, the pill or the IUD) are available free of charge from pharmacies for young people under the age of 22 with a 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 after a personal assessment during the consultation whether to prescribe the pill without the parents being informed. From the age of 16, this is usually the rule.

Even with conscientious contraception, a mishap can happen: Your son's condom breaks, your daughter hasn't taken the pill regularly ... Make it clear to your child that they can come to you in confidence at any time to discuss how to proceed. Information on the topics "Pregnant under 20" and "Unwanted pregnancy" can be found here on the family portal.