How to Talk to Your Parents About Birth Control

Many teens fear discussing birth control with their parents, which can result in unplanned pregnancy, according to the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Open communication with parents about birth control issues provides an opportunity for a teenager to understand responsible sex. Teens might have unprotected sex because they fear talking about this sensitive subject with their parents.

Instructions

• 1

  Schedule the talk. Let your parents know that you need to talk to them about something, and assure them that you are not in trouble, but you simply having something important to talk to them about. Tell them the subject of the talk if you're comfortable doing so.

• 2

  Make a list. Write down what birth control issues you want to talk about because making a list will help you prepare for the talk. Let them know whether you need the birth control because you have sex currently or because you want to have sex in the future. Tell them your reasons. Allowing open communication with your parents might help them see you as mature enough to make this decision, according to "Seventeen" magazine.

• 3

  Do your homework. Completing research about sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and sexual health will help your parents see that you understand the importance of birth control, according to the Post-Adoption Learning Center.

• 4

  Ask for opinions. Your parents might get upset initially at this talk because they might associate birth control with giving you permission to have sex, according to the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Ask them about their ideas on sex and birth control. Communicating with them appropriately will show that you bring an open mind to the discussion.

• 5

  Discuss types of birth control. Talk about the differences between the birth control pill and condoms. Converse about ways to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Let your parents know how sexually responsible you plan on becoming.

• 6

  Negotiate the negative. If your parents deny your request for birth control, ask them if they would revisit the discussion in six months. This shows a willingness to compromise and a respect for their opinions.