Sexual experimentation and sexual activity is a normal part of adolescence. Unfortunately, for many young adults, practicing reliable birth control methods like the Mirena® IUD is not as widespread. Let’s face it, adolescents aren’t typically known for their foresight or good judgment. If they were, they would never show up late for class or miss their curfews–also normal for teens.
Mitigate Consequences of Poor Judgment and Sexual Activity
When it comes to sexual activity, however, the consequences of poor judgment can prove far more serious than detention or getting grounded for coming home late. An intrauterine contraceptive device such as the Mirena® IUD can provide a safeguard for women—of all ages—and provide peace-ofmind, just in case things don’t go as planned.
Long Acting Reversible Contraception
Many millions of American adolescents put themselves at risk for early, unplanned pregnancies each year, underscoring the importance of easy-touse and effective long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Even though family planning experts as well as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend the intrauterine device (IUD) as a firstline option for contraception among teens, less than 3% of adult American women use IUDs and an even lower percentage of teens use them.
Misconceptions about IUDs among patients, parents, and health care providers may result in missed opportunities to choose this underutilized contraception for a high-risk population. When used properly, the Mirena® IUD offers a safe, reliable, and effective contraceptive device for gynecology patients of all ages.
How Does the Mirena® IUD work?
Among the most well researched and easiest to use IUDs available today is the Mirena® IUD. Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a soft, flexible IUD inserted into the uterus by your gynecologist. The IUD releases small amounts of hormone in a timed-release manner with minimal complications and little discomfort. Mirena® provides dependable birth control that lasts up to 5 years and does not interfere with future reproductive capabilities when women decide that the time is right. Benefits of the Mirena® IUD include:
- More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
- You can try to become pregnant as soon as the doctor removes the IUD device
- Treats heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine contraception
Keep in mind that the Mirena® IUD, and all other IUDs, offers no protection against sexually transmitted disease (STD). People with more than one sexual partner, or whose exclusive partner has an STD, should use a condom in addition to the IUD or other non-barrier contraceptives.
No parent likes to think about her teen engaging in sexual activity. But, the fact remains, a considerable number of teens do engage in intercourse. For adolescents, the Mirena® IUD provides a sensible and medically sound contraception option. For young adult women, it offers reliable birth control as well as peace of mind, so they can enjoy being young (responsibly). Have a frank discussion with your gynecologist about using this safe and easy to use method of contraception.
