With the improvement of technology including in the field of birth control, teen pregnancy has declined for years. Birth controls are no longer things people hinder. But, there are always risks of getting pregnant at a young age.

However, it is always better to avoid the high risk of getting pregnant too young. Here are some ways that can be taken.

#1. Family Planning (KB)

Family planning is a long-term solution that includes prevention so that no teenage girl under 18 has children. In fact, some women do not use contraception because of their religious and social background. It can also be caused by concerns about side effects and myths about contraception. Also, planning and deciding to get married and have sex after 18 years is one of the easiest steps you can take.

#2. Get adequate education

A good education will make adolescents more careful in making decisions and taking care of themselves. Education about sexuality also needs to be given from an early age, not only for girls but also for boys. Girls who give birth at a young age should also be able to continue their education.

Whether like it or not, an unplanned pregnancy affects the girl’s psychology. Not to mention that teen pregnancy also makes the chance higher for girls not finishing their high-school.

#3. Make decisions for yourself

Many adolescent girls do not realize that their bodies and lives are their own property and responsibility. In addition, there are still many young girls who cannot make decisions about when they will have children or how to take care of their reproductive systems. Poverty, lack of assistance from parents, and sexual violence can also be major factors causing pregnancy at a young age.

About 23 percent of married adolescents aged 15-24 years are forced by their partners to have sex when they don’t know much about sex and contraception. Avoid sexual relations before marriage, especially sex under coercion. Also avoid abortions that are classified as illegal in Indonesia, especially if they are not performed by medical personnel.

#4. Using contraception

One study even found that about 46 percent of married girls aged 15-19 have never used contraception. Social pressure to have children, the inability to plan a family life, fear of older husbands, and lack of knowledge also trigger early pregnancy. Even though using contraception is important to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies.

#5. Don’t believe it easily

There are many myths or persuasions that are often heard by teenage girls that make them become permissive towards sexual relations at a young age. Do not easily believe in things that are not necessarily true like that. Here are some commonly heard myths and facts.

• A woman will not get pregnant if she jumps up and down after sex
• If the sperm has met the egg, no high jump will prevent the formation of the fetus.
• If a woman doesn’t have an orgasm, she won’t get pregnant
• Orgasm has nothing to do with the fertilization process.
• Having sex in water will not cause pregnancy
• Vaginal contact with sperm under any circumstances risks causing pregnancy. At the appropriate temperature, sperm can remain outside the male body for several minutes.
• Women cannot get pregnant if they have sex during menstruation
• Sperm can stay alive for up to a week in a woman’s body.
• Washing the vagina after sex can prevent pregnancy
• Washing the vagina will not prevent the incoming sperm from fertilizing an egg.
• There will be no pregnancy as long as ejaculation is not performed in the vagina or if the penis is only inserted a few moments before ejaculation
• There is the pre-ejaculatory fluid that comes out before the main ejaculation occurs. This fluid can also contain sperm which can fertilize an egg. Fertilization can occur at any time as long as the seminal fluid touches the vaginal area.

Unplanned pregnancy is dangerous for teenagers and can cause harm to the baby. When you’re 17 and pregnant, visit your doctor to ensure the pregnancy. Once validated, your doctor will recommend vitamins and supplements to help you strengthen your body for pregnancy.

Do not believe also if someone says that a woman will not get pregnant if this is the first time sexual intercourse or doing it standing up. Sperm that has entered a woman’s body has the opportunity to fertilize an egg.

Above all, respecting your body and yourself is the most important first step to avoiding the life-threatening risks of getting pregnant at a young age.