The Effects of Birth Control on Teenagers

According to a report by Students Against Destructive Decisions, more than 46 percent of high school students are sexually active. Of these, more than 6 percent had intercourse before the age of 13 and more than 14 percent have reported having intercourse with more than four people. These statistics clearly show the need for birth control among teens, however it is also important to choose the right type by weighing the effects of each.

Depo-Provera Shot

Depo-Provera is a hormonal injection given once every three months, or 13 weeks, to prevent pregnancy. According to the Center for Young Women's Health, it is safe to receive your shot two weeks before your scheduled appointment.

One of the major side effects of this form of birth for teen girls is loss of bone density, which could lead to osteoporosis as you get older. You gain the most bone density between the ages of 11 and 15, as you proceed through puberty. The Center for Young Women's Health recommends waiting two years after your menstrual cycle has begun to start receiving this shot.

Aside from bone loss, other side effects include irregular menstrual cycles. This can mean no cycle for the duration of your shot, lighter and shorter periods or heavier and longer periods. You might also gain weight, experience headaches or suffer from depression.

Birth Control Pill

A wide variety of pills exist and most of them are combination pills. This means they contain the hormones progesterone and estrogen. These hormones causes mucus to thicken around the uterus, making it difficult for sperm to enter and fertilize the egg. According to TeensHealth, some even affect the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for the egg to attach itself to the wall of the uterus.

Some of the most common side effects a teen might experience while taking the pill include changes in her mood, irregular menstrual cycles, headaches, breast tenderness, nausea and dizziness. If you smoke, you also have an increased risk of developing blood clots, although this is rare in women under the age of 35.

As TeensHealth states, birth control pills offer positive effects as well. These include lighter periods, an improved complexion, reduction in menstrual cramps and protection against some types of cancers, such as ovarian and endometrial.

Spermicides

These do not require a prescription, unlike the pill and Depo-Provera shot. They come in a variety of forms including creams, gels, lotions, sponges and suppositories. The main ingredient in all of these products is nonoxynol-9, a chemical that neutralizes and kills sperm, disabling them before they can swim to the egg.

According to TeensHealth, the main side effect of spermicides is irritation of your vagina and the skin that surrounds it. Although this might not sound serious, if used on a regular basis, this irritation makes it easier for you to become infected with sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. The chemicals in a spermicide can disrupt a teen girl's natural balance, resulting in repeated urinary tract infections.