Sex
Intermediate concepts

Introduction to contraception

This knowledge will help your child to understand their bodies and how they work.

Introduction

You may not have thought about teaching your child about contraception. As your child enters their teenage years, it is important for them to have a basic understanding of sex, conception and contraception. It will also support their understanding of things that happen within relationships.

If your doctor has recommended a hormonal contraceptive method to help your child manage their periods, it’s a good idea to discuss contraception with your child. Even if your child is too young to provide consent to medical procedures or medication, it is important to give them the information that will help them to practice making decisions and understand what is happening to them.

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Conversation Starters

I’m going to the doctor tomorrow to talk about my options for contraception. Do you know what contraception is?

You and your boy/girlfriend seem to really like each other. Sometimes when boyfriends and girlfriends have been together for a while they might decide to have sex. Do you know what you and your boy/girlfriend can do to not get pregnant?

Strategies for you to try

Use easy read resources

Use easy English resources like the ones listed below to find the right language and images to help talk to your child about contraception

Use teachable moments

Use everyday opportunities to teach about contraception. For example, if you take a contraceptive pill every morning, that can be an opportunity to show your child what you’re taking and explain what it is. Intimate scenes in movies or on television can also be an opportunity to start a discussion about contraception.

Schedule a long appointment with your doctor

If you’re making an appointment for you and your teenager to see a doctor about contraception options, ask for a long appointment so the doctor can go through the options more slowly and you both have enough time to ask questions. You and your teenager do not have to choose straight away. You can make another appointment to see your doctor once you and your teenager have made a decision.