Knowing how to approach the idea of your child leaving for college may be both thrilling and a little scary. Even while you might be fulfilled by your children’s achievement and look forward to them making a life out of their abilities, there are many things you have to ponder and prepare your child for before they finally leave your nest. Sexual and reproductive health is one majorly ignored area. With today’s rising sexual activity among college students and the risks associated with such, a post-Roe contraception checklist is an integral tool for parents to prepare their teenager for that aspect of college life.
1. Have the Talk: Embarking on a new phase of life, such as college, can expose teens to various new experiences, including sexual relationships. As a parent, initiating a conversation about sex and contraception can be uncomfortable, but it is crucial in equipping your teen with the right information and tools to make informed decisions. Be empathetic, offer non-judgmental support, and establish an environment where they feel comfortable discussing these matters.
Discuss the following critical topics:
The importance of consent and respect in sexual relationships.
The effectiveness and availability of various contraceptive methods, including condoms, birth control pills, and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and hormonal implants.
The rates of typical and perfect use of these contraceptive methods and how choosing the right one requires an understanding of the individual’s lifestyle, personal preferences, and risks.
The potential risks and consequences of unprotected sex, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and emotional distress.
2. Visit the Doctor: Before your teen leaves for college, schedule a visit with their doctor to discuss their sexual and reproductive health. This is a good time to talk about any concerns or questions they may have and to get a general check-up. The doctor can also provide information on the different types of contraception and help your teen decide which method may be best for them. Your teen can also get any necessary vaccinations, such as the HPV vaccine, to protect them from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
3. Get a Contraception Plan: Once your teen has discussed their options with their doctor, it is important to help them create a contraception plan. This should include the type of contraception they will use, where they can access it, and how to properly use it. Some colleges have health centers that provide contraception for free or at a low cost, while others may require a prescription from a doctor. It is also important to discuss emergency contraception options, such as the morning-after pill, in case of a contraceptive failure or unprotected sex.
4. Stock up on Supplies: Before your teen leaves for college, it is essential to ensure that they have access to contraception supplies. According to the Guttmacher Institute, nearly 90% of college students have had sexual intercourse, and more than half of them have had more than one partner in the past year. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare your teen for the possibility of sexual encounters by providing them with a supply of condoms and/or their chosen form of contraception.
Using condoms is the sole method of contraception that can protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). As a parent, you must remind your teenager to always use a condom during sexual activity, even if they are using another type of birth control. Additionally, parents should advise their teens to regularly check the expiration dates of their contraceptives and replace them as necessary.
5. Discuss Consent and Boundaries: College can be a time of exploration and experimentation, and it is vital for your teen to understand the concept of consent and to establish their own boundaries. Consent is a mutual agreement between partners to engage in sexual activity. It is essential to communicate clearly and explicitly with your partner about what you are comfortable with and what you are not.
Parents should remind their teens that they have the right to say no to any sexual activity they are not comfortable with, and to respect their partner’s boundaries as well. Encourage them to communicate openly and honestly with their partner and to always prioritize their own safety and well-being.
It is also essential to discuss the concept of enthusiastic consent. Enthusiastic consent means that both parties are excited and actively engaged in the sexual activity. It is not enough to assume that silence or lack of resistance means consent. Parents should remind their teens that they need to ensure that their partner is enthusiastically consenting to the sexual activity.
Again, besides these five steps, open communication with the teenager while away at college is required. Let them know they can come to you with all their questions and be receptive to their helping hand. Though college is the most exciting and most treacherous time of any student’s life, by making sure your teenager has gone through the post-Roe contraception checklist, you are taking a measure to ensure that your teenager starts off college equipped and prepared for responsible sexual and reproductive decision-making.
