Teen Pregnancy: A secret and safe alternative

By Kate Brennan

Published: August 7, 2003

The last thing that you want to have to tell your parents is that you're having or want to have sex. You have questions. You want to go to the doctor, but how without your parents finding out?

Featured links: Planned Parenthood Birth Choice Teen Wire More info: Oral Contraceptives range from $13 to $17 per pack and there is a discount when you buy three pill packs at a time. Fees for oral contraceptives can change without notice. PPCO offers the more popular Nuva Ring and Ortho Evra Patch for $25.00 each for a one month supply. Pregnancy tests are $10 that includes options counseling. We provide several different types of male condoms as well as female condoms with prices ranging from $.25 to $2.00. We also offer emergency contraception for $35.00 which must be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected sex to prevent unintended pregnancy. This includes medication and office visit. Depo-provera contraception is available for $72.00 including the shot and an office visit. Office visits range from $12.00 to $50.00 depending on services needed. Pap smears can range from $20.00 to $30.00 in addition to the visit. PPCO offers a Peace of Mind Package for $100.00 that tests for 7 sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Testing for STI's range from $10.00 to $31.00. A great resource for teenagers is Teen Wire which is a Planned Parenthood sponsored website or Planned Parenthood. Courtesy of Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma Web sites advocating abstinence Abstinence: The Better Choice Advertisement State Abstinence Campaigns Chastity Call Sex Respect Abstinence Clearinghouse Steps Toward Abstinence

Sex is a decision that is made everyday by teens and adults alike. When the decision is made, a doctor's appointment is the next step.

Planned Parenthood offers a number of services, none of which require parental consent. Education about pregnancy and contraceptives is available, as well as, medical services.

"There are no age requirements [for services at planned parenthood] as long as they understand the risks involved, said Terry Dennison, educational director of Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma. "Although we encourage them to speak to their parents, he said.

Pap smear exams are $20 to $30 plus the cost of an office visit and contraceptives are offered at a discounted price, which range from a 25-cent condom to $75 for a Depo-provera shot that lasts three months. Emergency contraceptives are also available for $35, but must be taken within 120 hours of unprotected sex. A "Piece of mind test is also available that tests for seven sexually transmitted diseases including HIV.

Dennison said that many teens and young adults go to Planned Parenthood for a pregnancy test. Whether the test is positive or negative, they can give the person either contraceptive advice or pregnancy services. The test costs $10 and includes optional counseling.

If the test is positive, a doctor's appointment can be scheduled so the health of the mother and baby can be properly taken care of, said Dennison.

Preventing pregnancy takes precautionary measures and knowing about your body can be a great asset. Once pregnant, people of all ages can see doctors willing to help keep you and your baby safe and healthy for a reasonable price.

It's imperative to see a doctor as soon as possible. This can help prevent problems associated with teen births.

If going to the family doctor is just not acceptable, seek out an alternative. Options are available to stay safe while sexually active.