When it comes to the lives of teenagers, the world is ever-changing. From our bodies and hormones to our friends and relationships, it is sometimes hard to keep up, let alone escape the pressures of everyday life. Naturally, one of the most significant pressures in the lives of teens is the pressure to have sex. According to the ACLU, nearly 350,000 Americans under 18 becomes pregnant annually. Of those pregnancies, 82% are unplanned. Finally, 14% of those pregnancies end in miscarriages and 31% are prevented by abortion.
So, why are these numbers so high? As it turns out, teens are at a greater risk of miscarriage and other complications than average adult women. This is a result of a combination of factors including discovering their pregnancies late and not seeking prenatal care for fear of judgment. In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about abortions and miscarriages in teens, along with some advice for sexually active teens.
Here’s What You Need to Know Before Becoming Sexually Active
Deciding to become sexually active in your teenage years is a big decision. It affects not only your relationship but also your physical and mental health. Should you decide you want to have sex with your partner, safety is essential. However, beyond the safety that physical protection provides, knowledge is an equally powerful tool one must possess before beginning a sexual relationship. Continue reading to learn more.
Choice
If you have sex and discover that you’re pregnant, it’s important that you have enough information about every option before deciding what to do. Sadly, many young people avoid seeking such information to seemingly put off letting others know about the pregnancy. This can be risky as it means you’re not receiving the necessary maternal care, only increasing your risk of any complications occurring.
Teens are not only at greater risk of complications in pregnancy but issues after as well. For example, the Ballard Brief explains that the rate of postpartum depression in teenage mothers is twice as high as the American average of 10-20%. Choosing to seek prenatal care upon discovering your pregnancy is the only way to ensure you are healthy and make the right decision for you.
The Physical Risks of Adolescent Abortion
While we are not here to judge anyone’s decision to abort an unwanted pregnancy, we do want you to be as educated as possible about the physical risks involved. These include:
- Young patients are twice as likely to experience cervical dislocation during abortion than older women due to smaller cervical organs
- Excessive bleeding
- A greater risk of post-abortion infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and endometriosis (inflammation of the uterus)
- A high risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy), and other serious problems, such as premature birth, stillbirth, and miscarriage
The Psychological and Emotional Consequences of Abortion
No matter how you feel about the subject, abortion is a huge decision. And it’s not just your physical being that’s impacted, but your mental well-being as well. Without further ado, here are the psychological and emotional consequences of abortion.
- Deterioration of autonomy
- Sleep and sexual dysfunction
- Decreased motivation
- Disruption in human relationships
- Guilt and anxiety
- Depression and suicidal tendencies
- The potential for drug abuse
Trust a Professional
Whether you’re just discovering that you might be pregnant or you’ve decided to have an abortion, it’s imperative that you only trust the professionals. And your first step is confirming your pregnancy. A doctor will confirm your pregnancy either through a blood or urine test. From there, they will run an STD panel to begin treatment should any STDs exist. If you’re holding off on telling your parents or facing financial woes, there are plenty of free and confidential testing options available.
In the United States, children under 18 have the right to have an abortion without parental permission unless otherwise advised by law. By contacting and seeking treatment and/or advice from a medical professional, you’ll be better suited to make a decision for your future.
Considering Abstinence
Abstinence is the most effective way to prevent a miscarriage or abortion. And in the end, only you can decide what is best for your life. Luckily, there are alternative ways to feel close to your partner that don’t involve sex. That way, you’re able to set boundaries both physically and emotionally, according to Verywellfamily.
If abstinence isn’t for you, make sure to practice safe sex and stay as informed as possible.
Prioritize Your Health Above All Else
Whether you decide to become sexually active or not, your health should be at the forefront of such decisions. From staying informed and practicing safe sex to undergoing regular STD testing, only you can ensure a happy and healthy future for yourself. However, 24-7Labs is here to help, with convenient access to confidential testing on your schedule. Visit us here to learn more.
