Should I put my 12 yr old on BC Pill? She has bad acne and nothings working, plus shes goin into 7th grade?

Question

Im worried because kids are having kids at 12-13 yrs old these days. I don't know if its a good idea to put her on some kind of birth control before high school or not. She also has bad acne that we can't seem to control. BC Pill has the benefits of both clearing up acne and preventing pregnancy. I had my daughter when I was 16 and that was way too young. I wasn't taught alot about s*x and I was very unfamiliar with it. I know how hard it is to take care of a baby at a young age. I finished high school but couldn't go to college til I was 28. Her dad and his side of the family think its a bad idea cause its giving her permission to have s*x. I think if she takes it for her acne then thats not permission. She just needs to know its for her face. Shes a very smart girl but things happen, especially in high school with all the peer pressure. I need some advice on what I should do. Thanks!

Answer 1

My sister started the Pill in grade 7 because of her bad acne.  By taking the Pill, it's not a free pass to go and have s*x.  

What you need to do is sit down with her and talk about going on the Pill for acne.  Then you need to have a frank discussion about s*x with her.  I can guarantee she will be grossed out and say things like "I am NEVER doing that", as that is what most girls her age say.

If you need help getting materials, visit the library and get some reading material.  The book "Speaking of s*x" is great: http://www.amazon.ca/New-Speaking-s*x-Wh...

You can also talk to your doctor and they can explain to her more in depth about the Pill and how it works.  

Good luck!

Answer 2

Try Proactive.  It's supposed to be really good stuff for acne. I would definitely avoid putting her on the pill at such a young acne and besides, it doesn't really work that well anyway.  At least for me it didn't.

Answer 3

I think if you and her have a straight up talk about it, then I think it would be okay.

However, she might be stigmatized if others find out she's taking the pill.

Also, have you tried other things for acne; maybe a trip to the dermatologist, and not the gynecologist? I hear Proactive works; (I'm suggesting these things because I don't know if you have tried them yet)

But, if the doctor agrees that she should take the pill, and if she agrees that she wants to take the pill, then I think she should take the pill.

But just make sure she knows that this is in no way permission to have s*x.

Answer 4

if its for the acne,  then go for it.  its medical.

this decision is up to the custodial parent, not extended family.

if you decide to go for the birth control, she may become embarrased if the extended family knows. so keep it private.

Answer 5

I think 12 is a little young.  Sometimes it's hard enough for grown women to take the pill everyday, let alone a 12 year old.  And there's still the risk of STD's even if she's on the pill.  I would wait a few years.  Have you talked to the doctor about her acne.  I use proactiv (I'm 26) and it works really great.  It seems expensive, but I don't go through nearly as fast as they say.  Have you tried that?

Answer 6

THAT SOUNDS EXACTIALY LIKE ME!  i had the same problem, the only thing that really worked for me was Differin and Durac, the topical gel.  but get samples, because that only worked for me, it is disapointing when you by an expencive medicin, and it doesn't work!

Answer 7

I say no, i don't know many doctors prescribing BC pills to 12 year olds. She should try correcting it the old fashion way, clean and clear products or something as walmart FIRST, then try retinols..BC are not safe...they have side effects!

Answer 8

Acne and having s*x are too separate issues.  It looks to me that you want an excuse to put your daughter on birth control.  I know today kids are having kids but it doesn't have to be your daughter being promiscuous if you guide her right and teach her to wait.  She is only 12.  Have you considered more aggressive treatments for Acne and going to a dermatologist.  Accutane worked for me and Retin-A is also helpful.  Don't put her on BC just in case she has s*x.  Teach her to be a stronger woman than you were and to not give into peer pressure.

Answer 9

If you told her that it was for her acne, and didn't tell her it was a birth control pill, then if she did have underage s*x you know she's protected either way.

hope this helps.

x*x

Answer 10

I'd say yes,

Its a great way to gtet rid of acne,

just talk to her about s*x before it.

Answer 11

BC pills are pretty extreme for acne this young. What does the dermatologist say?

Have you taught her about resisting peer pressure? There's pressure to do lots of things that you can't prevent with a pill--drugs, driving fast, gambling, cheating, running off, hooking up with anyone who asks or even looks at her.

Talk to her about respecting herself and her body. You can talk about how hard you found being a teenaged mother and how you hope and pray that she'll wait until she's older to try s*x.

What is she like now? Does she do dumb stuff that her friends suggest?  Is she impulsive or thoughtful? An impulsive girl who's easily persuaded by her friends and doesn't have much self-esteem probably should be on the pill, but, again, that only fixes one problem. She could still get AIDS.