Essay on Practicing Safe Sex and Using Birth Control

Each year, about seven million girls below the age of eighteen years become pregnant (Frankfort-Nachmias, & Leon-Guerrero, 2011). Statistics indicate that some of the factors that contribute to these teenage pregnancies include early marriage and rape. However, the most common reason for early pregnancy is the lack of access to sexual reproductive health education and services; and this includes the knowledge and subsequent use of appropriate birth control (Frankfort-Nachmias, & Leon-Guerrero, 2011). I am part of these statistics. A few years ago, I became pregnant with my first child. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined myself to be a mother at such a youthful age and when it dawned on me that I was pregnant, my whole world collapsed around me. It was devastating. Today, I speak to you hoping that at the end of my speech you will realize the importance of using birth control and the significance of practicing safe sex. While the use contraception is mainly to prevent pregnancy, individuals are encouraged to practice safe sex to lower the possibility of contracting sexually transmitted infections in addition to preventing unplanned pregnancies.

Back in the day, I had no idea about any form of contraceptives. When I got pregnant, I was bombarded with several Did you not know questions and it was at that time that I realized the options that were available to me. I could have used a condom, a pill, or a contraceptive sponge to prevent the pregnancy (Ricci & Kyle, 2009). Otherwise, I should have had a gynecologist advice on the viability of the intrauterine device (IUD) over contraceptive injections or contraceptive implants. These are but a few of the available birth control methods. If you are sexually active, heed my advice and visit a health facility for professional guidance on your most suitable birth control method.

Statistics indicate that over one million STIs are acquired daily (Frankfort-Nachmias & Leon-Guerrero, 2011). These include gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. These STIs have grave consequences ranging from the predisposition to HIV acquisition to infertility. Unsafe sex during pregnancy also affects the unborn baby. If one contracts an STI during pregnancy, the baby may be born prematurely, or they may have congenital disabilities (Shaffer & Kipp 2010). As such, safe sex is not a reserve for those who do not wish to contract sexually transmitted infections, but it equally applies to expectant women who intend to give birth to healthy children. With these facts in mind, it is essential for teenagers, and every other sexually active individual to practice safe sex.

Having unprotected sex can result in pregnancy. Ironically, we ignore this knowledge and eventually question the reason for a pregnancy when we have been reckless. Teenage pregnancy is not a walk in the park. I am cognizant with the immense suffering, confusion, and despair that accompany teenage motherhood (Covitch, 2012). You cannot begin to fathom the commitment that accompanies pregnancy and the eventual birth of a baby. I quit school for a while since I had severe morning sickness and I was always fatigued. At some point, I contemplated suicide since I was ashamed and afraid to face my parents. When I finally delivered my baby, I thought that I had overcome the most difficult face. The joke was on me. I have had countless sleepless nights when she would cry uncontrollably. I lost most of my friends since my priorities shifted from attending parties to changing diapers. According to Covitch (2012), pregnancy forces you to grow up. However, these abrupt changes in your in your lifestyle can be avoided if you practice safe sex. It is imprudent to skip the youthful stage of your life due to an unplanned pregnancy.

Summarily, I have demonstrated that the legitimate use of birth control reduces the risk of unwanted teenage pregnancies. Those individuals that are sexually active should realize that practicing safe sex saves them the trouble of contracting sexually transmitted infections that may be untreatable. I do not regret for a second that I am a mother to a beautiful baby. My concern is for you not to be robbed of your youth by an early pregnancy. Before engaging in reckless sexual activities, think for a moment that you could be signing up for an untreatable STI. Take it upon yourself to visit a healthcare facility where you will be enlightened on the most appropriate birth control method.

References

Covitch, L. (2012). The epidemic of teen pregnancy: An American tragedy. Pittsburgh, Pa: Rosedog Books.

Frankfort-Nachmias, C., & Leon-Guerrero, A. (2011). Social statistics for a diverse society. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Pine Forge Press.

Ricci, S. S., & Kyle, T. (2009). Maternity and pediatric nursing. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Shaffer, D. R., & Kipp, K. (2010). Developmental psychology: Childhood and adolescence. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.