Reasons why early exposure to contraceptives is not good

While the pill as an oral contraceptive and injection are the favored methods of pregnancy prevention, there are circumstances where teen girls are using hormonal skin patches and vaginal rings that release hormones. The morning after pill is always an emergency hormonal contraceptive, which is effective when used with in a certain period of time after having unprotected sex. Whatever the method of use, this means of contraception makes use of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, together in certain preparations, sometimes progesterone alone in other preparations. But it is important to remember that these hormones are normally present in a woman’s body; vary in concentration at different stages of a girl’s or woman’s life such as at the time of puberty, pregnancy and menopause. In trying to prevent unwanted pregnancies by using hormones you are increasing the levels of these hormones in the body. In an adolescent, where the body is already trying to cope with a surge of hormones, the addition of extra hormones may lead to effects that may have long term complications. Before a teenager thinks of starting on hormone contraceptives, she should be aware of the risks so that she can make a well informed decision about it. It might help her talk to the doctor or the school nurse before even contemplating hormone contraceptives. They may be convenient and effective in preventing pregnancy but can give a false sense of security in that one may opt not to use condoms during intercourse. This results in an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, syphilis and gonorrhea. Recent scientific research has also shown that use of hormonal contraceptives in young girls definitely increases the chance of breast cancer. When a girl takes these hormones early in life, there is a greater risk of developing breast cancer at a later stage. Another effect of earlier and prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives is that there is a risk of infertility developing later on in adulthood. As a result of suppressing ovulation artificially for a long time, ovarian function may not be able to restore completely when contraceptives are withdrawn. The ovary is part of female reproductive system where fertilization of the ovum takes place. Hormonal contraceptives may cause weight gain. As a teenager or young girl, this can have a significant impact on your self image, confidence and social interaction. There is also an increased risk of developing cervical cancer after prolonged use of the hormonal contraceptives. People need to think about this problem before starting on hormonal contraceptives from a young age. Smoking and the increased risk of developing heart attacks, stroke with the use of oral contraceptives in young women is another consideration that should not be overlooked. Teens with a history of liver disease and migraines may aggravate their conditions further with the use of hormone contraceptives. Chances of blood clots especially deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are also increased. Mood changes, irritability, depression, nausea, headache, painful breasts and spotting are some of the side effects which may occur. Depletion of certain vitamins from the body such as vitamin B6 and folic acid is also a possibility and while these micronutrients are necessary for all age groups, they are of particular importance to the developing body of a teenager. There is also the danger of weakening bones due to calcium loss if hormone contraceptives are used for a long time. This is more so if injectable forms of hormonal contraceptives, are used and is of special significance in teenagers whose bones are still growing. Bones may become brittle and fracture easily. With some types of contraceptives especially those containing progesterone only such as implants, the periods can become irregular, scanty and stop altogether. A teenager may not be able to fully understand the impact of sexual intercourse and the responsibility that comes with it. Some teens may see this as a license to become more liberal with their bodies, practicing unprotected sex with more than one partner. This increases the chance of contracting STD’s and with the ever increasing rate of HIV infection; this could be disastrous for a young person. Abstinence is always a better option until a person is mature and with in a secure relationship to partake in sex and the early use of hormone contraceptives may blur these lines at times for teens. Parents, who assist their adolescent children with acquiring hormone contraceptives, are likely to face social concerns arising from the health of their daughters in future. While avoiding a teen pregnancy may be the main focus, the impact of using a hormone contraceptive from an early age can have life threatening consequences, some of which can be more detrimental to one’s life and career than teen pregnancy. Ends