CONTRACEPTIVES WSS looks into teen contraceptive usage and knowledge, addressing prevalent misunderstandings and stigmas. WSS interviewed three anonymous student sources for this article. Anonymity is used to protect the privacy of students commenting on contraceptives. View the editorial policy at wsspaper.com. BY GRACE BARTLETT, JESSIE LI & MARIE STIER
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rom a young age, kids are taught preventative measures against the cold or flu: vaccines, masks, washing hands and coughing into the elbow. However, these aren’t the only health concerns that young people need awareness of. Contraception, a frequently disregarded and shamed topic, has many stigmas surrounding the usage of types of birth control. Feelings of embarrassment regarding contraception can hinder necessary conversations, leading to misconceptions arising. However, contraception is a topic that impacts a large percentage of the population, with over 65% of women aged 15-49 using some form of birth control. Dr. Michael Colburn, Head of Adolescent Medicine at the University of Iowa, believes the definition of contraception can differ depending on the person. “I believe contraception is everything and anything that leads to people being in control of when they are ready to be parents,” Colburn said.
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olburn advocates for care that allows patients to choose individualized plans for contraceptive use. “Our statement [at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics] is that you have the ability to
consent and choose treatment in certain realms,” Colburn said. In line with the University’s commitment to providing accessible treatment, the University of Iowa’s Adolescent Clinic encounters many teens who take control of obtaining their own contraceptive options. “The vast majority of people [coming to the clinic for contraception] are the patients themselves,” Colburn said. “In this clinic, we’re really helping them be goal-focused. Asking, ‘Why are you here? What’s going on?’ and as part of routine care, we talk about sexual health.” Studies from the National Institutes of Health have concluded that when healthcare providers initiate sexual health discussions, adolescents are more likely to get tested for sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs). Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are among many examples of STIs. HPV is the most common STI in the United States, with a majority of infections among teens and young adults. Although teens can make many health-related decisions independently, Colburn points out some exceptions. “In this state, you can consent to sexual health preventative stuff; you can get your HPV shot without your parent’s consent, you can do screenings, you can get all your sexual health testing and you can get treatment,” Colburn
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said. “The only time [it] gets a little weird is if you are getting tested for HIV and your HIV [test] is positive. In Iowa, I have to report that to a caregiver.” In 27 states, including Iowa, all individuals are allowed to consent to contraceptive services at a specified minimum age, with Iowa’s being 12 years old. However, 19 states only allow some minors to consent to contraceptive services, such as people with a health issue or who are married or pregnant. Despite the limitations some teens face, Ashley Guerrero, the University of Iowa’s Clinical Coordinator for Adolescent Medicine, believes it’s essential to educate teens and their families about contraceptive use. “It may not be appointment one or appointment two that we really get through to them, but our goal is to educate the patient,” Guerrero said. “Sometimes the family too, because maybe the patient’s on board, but the family isn’t. Just because we’re giving a kid birth control doesn’t mean we’re saying, ‘Hey, go out and have a bunch of sex.’” Although this is often an uncomfortable subject for teens and their families, Colburn believes transparency is the best course of action when providing care. “Young adults are going to lose so much faith in the system if we manipulate care for the parents’ benefit,” Colburn said. “We don’t want to