10.5.2 Birth Control

Louisiana Statewide Transition Project and Louisiana: Healthy and Ready to Work Fact Sheet Series

 

7/1/99

 

I. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Sexuality is a natural part of life. For all adolescents, the transition to adulthood involves deeper, more personal relationships. Sexual relationships are no exception. By having open and informative discussions about sexuality with young adults, families and service providers can help them have healthy and fulfilling adult relationships.

In 1991, there were 600,000 young women aged 15 - 19 in the United States who were pregnant (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1995). This statistic illustrates the importance of providing information about birth control options to all young adults, including those with disabilities.

II. KEY POINTS

Sexual relationships present physical and emotional risks for both young women and men. Abstinence is the most effective way to postpone taking those risks until young adults are mature enough to handle them. In addition, young women who postpone vaginal intercourse until their twenties have certain health advantages. They are less likely to suffer from sexually transmitted infections, infertility, and cancer of the cervix than women who have vaginal intercourse at younger ages (Planned Parenthood, 1997).

Although abstinence is the best way to avoid an unwanted pregnancy, in reality, many young adults choose to be sexually active. Only by having open and informative discussions about sex and birth control with young adults, can families and service providers can help them have safe relationships. Young adults who choose to be sexually active must have information about protecting themselves against the unwanted consequences of sexual activity. They can ask themselves the following questions when considering the various birth control options:

When the young adult has a disability, other issues must be considered when choosing a birth control method. Some birth control devices present increased risk of infections when the user has a disability that affects his/her ability to monitor the device on a regular basis. Some birth control devices requiring insertion or placement are difficult for individuals who have limited motor function. Oral contraceptive users are warned of an increased chance of blood clots, which may cause complications for some individuals with disabilities. With this in mind, young adults who intend to be sexually active must speak to a health care professional who knows their medical histories and can discuss the side effects and potential hazards of various birth control methods (Sexual Health Network, 1999). It is important to remember that birth control is not only the responsibility of the young woman, but also of the young man.

III. ROLES/NEXT STEPS

Students/Young Adults:

Young adults must recognize that adult responsibilities come with adult relationships. They should find a trusted adult to talk to about their relationships and the many ups and downs associated with them. By taking things slowly and talking about issues that arise, young adults are better prepared to make major decisions regarding their personal relationships.

In order to protect themselves against unwanted pregnancy, young adults must take preventative measures. They should consult their health care professional in order to determine which method is best for them. Remember that taking responsibility is part of being an adult. When planning for adulthood, young adults must consider how sexual activity may affect their futures.

Young adults must recognize that sexual activity can have a dramatic impact on their future. Pregnancy can delay or end plans for pursuing employment or post-secondary education. It can affect where and with whom they can live, their financial situation, and their overall health.

Families:

Although it can be difficult, families must address sexuality issues, including birth control, with young adults. Families can consult physicians, social workers, and other agency personnel for assistance with addressing such issues as birth control options.

As a part of the transition planning process, families should seek information specific to adults with disabilities and sexuality. There are resources available through parent groups, advocacy groups, and on the Internet that will help families explore this issue. By becoming informed, families may be better prepared to support young adults in their personal relationships.

When planning for the transition to adulthood, families should strive to help young adults see the ramifications of pregnancy. By discussing how their lives would change, families can help young adults make informed choices about their behavior.

Most importantly, families must recognize young adults as young adults with needs for close personal relationships. By being open to frank discussions about adult relationships, families can support young adults in their journey towards healthy adult relationships.

Agencies:

Agency personnel must address issues related to sexuality for young adults with disabilities. Physicians must be able to answer questions related to the impact of disability on fertility, birth control options, and reproductive choices. There must also be more linkages between service providers that address family planning issues and those who understand issues related to disabilities.

Interpersonal relationships are a vital part of life. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) should make sure that relationship and sexuality issues are discussed during transition planning in order to better prepare young adults to engage in healthy, safe, and fulfilling adult relationships.

 

IV. RESOURCES/CONTACTS

PACER Center

4826 Chicago Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN 55417-1098

(612) 827-2966, Voice

(612) 827-7770, TDD

www.pacer.org

Planned Parenthood Federation of America

(212) 245-1845

www.plannedparenthood.org

Louisiana Division of Health Services

Family Planning Program

(225) 568-5330

Families Helping Families Regional Offices

Acadiana: 800-378-9854

Bayouland: 800-331-5571

At the Crossroads: 800-259-7200

Greater Baton Rouge: 888-511-5299

Greater New Orleans: 800-766-7736

Northeast LA: 888-300-1320

Northshore: 800-383-8700

Northwest LA: 888-989-0315

Southwest LA: 800-894-6558

Children's Special Health Services

Acadian Region: 504-265-5816

Capitol Region: 225-342-4713

Central Region: 318-487-5266

Northeast Region: 318-362-5486

Northwest Region: 318-676-7488

Southeast Region: 504-222-4593

Southwest Region: 318-475-8742

Teche Region: 318-447-0896

 

V. REFERENCES

Sulpizi, L., (1996). Issues in Sexuality and Gynecologic Care of women with Developmental Disabilities. JOGNN, 25, pp. 609-614.

               Center for Disease Control and Prevention (1995). Monthly Vital Statistics Report, 43, (11-S).

               Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) (1997). Birth Control Choices for Teens. [Available via Internet at http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ TEENISSUES/BCCHOICES/BCCHOICES.HTML]

               Sexual Health Network (1999). If you do not want to have a baby. [Available via Internet at http://www.sexualhealth.com/content/contrace.htm]