What Parents and Teens Should Know About Preventing Teen Pregnancy

Teen Pregnancy Prevention is an important national initiative, involving communities in promoting awareness and supporting effective teen pregnancy prevention initiatives. Because Adolescent Medicine is such an integral part of Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital, we spoke with Division Chief Joseph Puccio, MD, on what parents and teens need to know about preventing pregnancy, making responsible decisions and promoting lifelong healthy behavior.

First, could you address why preventing pregnancy in the teen years is so critical?

After a long decline in teen pregnancy rates through 2005, they are now on the rise nationally. In fact, among 15 to 19 year olds, Suffolk County has the highest rates of any county outside of New York City. Both the short and long-term consequences of this is staggering. On an individual level, a teen mother may experience a loss of educational and vocational opportunities and face significant medical issues while pregnant or afterwards. Babies born to teenage parents are at risk for major complications including low birthweight and prematurity—both of which can contribute to higher risks for blindness, cerebral palsy, respiratory issues and mental retardation. In the bigger picture, this accounts for $9 billion a year in healthcare costs in the public sector.

From a medical perspective, how do you best prevent teen pregnancies?

There are two key approaches for teens: Holding off on sexual activity and using contraception. Both involve responsible decision making, which as physicians and educators we promote. We encourage teens to hold off as long as possible until they are sure they can take on all the risks associated with sexual activity—not just pregnancy but also sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, Chlamydia and gonorrhea. We discuss ways for them to be intimate without being sexual. If a teen is already sexually active or is determined to have sex, we give that teen comprehensive and medically accurate information through evidence-based interventions. This information provides intensive education on preventing pregnancy and STIs. Our counselor helps teens look at the decision to be sexually active, revisits the idea of holding off, coaches them in how to talk with their partner in an empowered way and teaches them about avoiding high-risk behaviors and situations.

How do you get these messages out to teens?

At Stony Brook Children’s we are fortunate to have a wealth of resources, as well as an extensive network in the community. We reach teens through a number of avenues, including youth bureaus and schools. Our Adolescent Medicine practice provides teens with individualized health evaluations and education on a wide range of issues from pregnancy prevention and behavior issues to nutrition, sleep and safety—with the goal of helping teens transition into healthy adults. In January, we received a grant from the New York State Department of Health for a comprehensive adolescent pregnancy prevention program. The grant gives us funding for a full-time counselor and coordinator to educate teens, parents and the community. It also positions Stony Brook Children’s as one of the most experienced resources in Suffolk County for preventing teen pregnancy and promoting adolescent health.

What should parents know?

More than anything, I encourage parents to have an open relationship with their children. They should make teens aware of their expectations and values, and serve as role models for good communication. Parents must set the tone and must be open to discuss everything with their teens, however uncomfortable they may feel at first. Parents also need to educate themselves on the reality of what teens face today. Some parents make the mistake of thinking because their teen is such a good student, they must not be having sex. The fact is, many teens are choosing to have sex. If that is the reality, then it is up to us—parents, teachers, doctors and other members of the community—to provide them with medically accurate information and support to prevent pregnancy, avoid STIs and make responsible decisions.

For more information, contact the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Stony Brook Children’s: (631) 444-2730.

All health and health-related information contained in this article is intended to be general and/or educational in nature and should not be used as a substitute for a visit with a healthcare professional for help, diagnosis, guidance, and treatment. The information is intended to offer only general information for individuals to discuss with their healthcare provider. It is not intended to constitute a medical diagnosis or treatment or endorsement of any particular test, treatment, procedure, service, etc. Reliance on information provided is at the user's risk. Your healthcare provider should be consulted regarding matters concerning the medical condition, treatment, and needs of you and your family.

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