Whether you're already sexually active or simply preparing for the future, discussing birth control with your parents is a vital step for protecting your health and preventing unwanted pregnancy. Yet sex is rarely an easy topic to broach---especially with your family. Anxiety, embarrassment and fear about your parents' reaction may keep you from initiating this important conversation. By knowing how to facilitate an open and honest discussion about birth control, you can reduce your own discomfort and communicate effectively with your parents.
Step 1
Determine---and memorize---the topics you want to ask your parents about. Nervousness can cause your mind to go blank, making it harder to verbalize your questions and concerns once you're face-to-face with your parents. Planning what to ask ahead of time ensures you won't forget to raise an important topic.
Step 2
Look for a natural segue into a conversation about birth control. Commercials, TV shows or movies that mention sex or contraception provide a convenient lead-in for a discussion with your parents. Casually asking a question about birth control after it has already been mentioned can be easier than raising the topic out of the blue.
Step 3
Choose a discussion time when you and your parents are alone, in a good mood and have enough time for an in-depth conversation; avoid bringing up birth control when your parents are in a rush or can't devote their full attention to you. Talking in a relaxed setting---without the stress of outside interruptions and obligations---will make it easier to hold a calm and rational discussion.
Step 4
Emphasize that you're thinking about birth control because you want to be proactive about your health and safety, not because you want a free pass for engaging in sex. This will reassure your parents that you're responsible and capable of making mature, well-reasoned decisions, and aren't simply asking for permission to be promiscuous.
Step 5
Strive to remain calm and respectful, even if your parents become visibly upset or disagree with your choices. Keeping your cool will demonstrate maturity, whereas arguing and yelling will remind them you're still young---and might convince them you're not ready to handle sexual subjects.
Tips and Warnings
- Answer your parents' questions honestly. If they ask whether you're currently sexually active, tell the truth; lying will only damage their trust if they find out later on. If your parents are vehemently against premarital sex and contraception, consider holding a birth control discussion with another trusted adult, such as a doctor or school counselor.
