Contraceptive Pearl: Sex, Education and Taking Sexual History of Teens
Most Americans have engaged in some form of sexual activity by their late teens. Seventy percent of teens report having had intercourse by their 19th birthday. However, 41% of teens aged 18-19 report that they know little or nothing about condoms, and 75% report that they know little or nothing about the contraceptive pill.
Evidence supports the benefits of comprehensive approaches to sex education. Knowledge equips teens to delay sex until they’re ready, use contraception at first sexual activity and engage in healthy relationships when they do become sexually active.
Many states don’t mandate comprehensive sex education in schools. Even teens who are lucky enough to get sex education may have questions and concerns that are best addressed at an office visit. Just as we update immunizations at any visit, we should update teens’ sexual history often. Use an opportunistic approach: address sexual health even at office visits for other purposes. Speak with teens alone. Start the conversation by asking open-ended, non-judging questions. Asking all teens about sex signals our willingness to address contraception, infections and other aspects of sexual health.
We appreciate your feedback! Please write to us at pearls@reproductiveaccess.org with any questions, comments or additional resources to add to our list.
Helpful Resources
Medical Eligibility for Initiating Contraception: Absolute and Relative Contraindications
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
Sources
Facts on American Teens’ Sources of Information about Sex: Sex, Pregnancy, and Abortion. Guttmacher Institute. Published February 2012. Accessed December 2014
Pharma-free
The Reproductive Health Access Project does not accept funding from pharmaceutical companies. We do not promote specific brands of medication or contraception. The information in the Contraceptive Pearls is unbiased, based on science alone.
