Unintended Pregnancy

Basic Facts

In the U.S., 1 in 3 women becomes pregnant before age 20, and 80% of those pregnancies are not intended.

HIV, other STDs, and unintended pregnancy can all be negative consequences of risky sexual behavior.

If someone is at risk for unintended pregnancy or common STDs, that means they are likely to be engaging in an activity that could also put them at risk for HIV.

Many girls lose their virginity while drinking or under the influence of drugs - and don’t use protection. Many of these girls become pregnant or do things they wouldn’t do when sober.

Most sexually experienced teenage males have used condoms, but not all the time. Less than half of teen males said they used condoms 100% of the times they had sexual intercourse during the last year.

Females and males experiencing an unintended pregnancy are likely to be faced with serious emotional, academic, relationship, health, financial, and social challenges.

Babies born to teenage parents are likely to be faced with health and other challenges.

Teen pregnancy is sometimes linked with being a victim of physical violence, being forced to have sex against one’s will, dating violence, and being in an an emotionally abusive relationship.

One in five teen girls who have ever had a boyfriend said that when they tried to end the relationship, he threatened to harm her or harm himself.

There are many places to turn for help for pregnancy prevention, unintended pregnancy, and other risks related to unintended pregnancy.

Prevention

Although the best way to avoid unintended pregnancy is not to have sexual intercourse, there are many birth control options.

Your local Family Planning or Public Health office can provide a variety of confidential services to assist with birth control, pregnancy testing, pregnancy counseling, assistance for pregnancy and parenting, and connecting you with additional help. Visit http://www.wyhc.org to locate a Wyoming Family Planning Clinic, or http://www.health.wyo.gov/familyhealth/nursing/offices.html to locate a local Wyoming Public Health office.

No one birth control product is best for everyone. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist, or visit a Family Planning or Public Health office about the best method for you, or visit the Food and Drug Administration’s website at http://www.fda.gov/womens/healthinformation/birthcontrol.html to learn more about birth control options.

Condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy and STDs, including HIV, when used correctly every time. Visit http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/youth/health/safersex/condom.htm for information about correct condom use.

If you have just had unprotected sex within the past 5 days and are worried you may be pregnant, Emergency Contraception, or Plan B, is available. Contact Family Planning, Public Health, your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist or call 1-888-NOT-2-LATE or visit www.backupyourbirthcontrol.org for more information.

It may help to make a plan for yourself about engaging in sexual activity and other risk behaviors and stick to it, so when you are faced with pressure, you know where you stand. If you are drunk or high, it is hard to make decisions.

You are in charge of your body. If you are in a relationship in which you are being controlled; kept away from your friends and those who care about you by someone who wants to control you; forced to do things you do not want to do; physically, sexually, or emotionally mistreated; or not being allowed to use birth control, there are many places to turn for help. Visit http://www.wyomingdvsa.org from a safe and private computer, call 911, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or for hearing impaired 1-800-787-3224. In case of sexual assault call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

If you are pregnant or think you might be, seek medical care by calling your doctor or nurse, or visit your local Family Planning or Public Health office.

Having a healthy pregnancy can begin before you become pregnant. Visit http://www.wyhc.org and click on “Plan Ahead for a Healthy Baby” to learn more.