(Memphis) The Centers for Disease Control reports one-third of teenagers are sexually active.
Some experts are recommending parents implant a device in sexually active teenagers to prevent pregnancy.
Stephanie Williams doesn’t think most teens practice safe sex because that’s the last thing on their minds in the heat of the moment, “You really don’t take any precaution at all you just do the first thing that comes to your mind.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agree.
It now recommends IUD implants in sexually active girls.
This copper t-shaped device prevents sperm from joining the egg and is 99% effective.
The group says IUD`s are the best prevention because a lot of teens incorrectly take birth control and condoms are not always reliable.
“Children now days are living for the moment not the future,” said Raphael Lewis.
Lewis believes the IUD could cut down on the number of teen pregnancies, “Probably be a good idea but it depends on what the side effects are because they make a lot of good stuff but the side effects can be deadly or be worse that good.”
Doctors say some of those side effects could include nausea, cramping and headaches.
The panel says IUD`s are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, but they do not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and you should take other precautions for those.
“Abstinence would be the best, but if they`re going to do it it’s best that you talk about it and teach them how to do it effectively,” said Williams.
The College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is recommending doctors discuss IUDs with teens looking at birth control, but that decision is completely up the teen and her parents.
