An interview with Dr. Mark Schuster, the author of Everything You Never Wanted Your Kids To Know About Sex (But Were Afraid They’d Ask)
By Valentina Cardenas, 17, Ramona Convent (Alhambra)
This interview contains frank information about teens and sex. After consulting with L.A. Youth’s teen staff and their friends at various schools, we prepared these questions to give teens the information they want to know, but might be afraid to ask. Our purpose is not to offend, but rather to help teens make informed decisions.
Dr. Mark Schuster, director of the UCLA/Rand Center for Adolescent Health Promotion, answered our questions about sex. His book for parents, “Everything You Never Wanted Your Kids To Know About Sex (But Were Afraid They’d Ask)” was published in 2003.
What is the safest way to have sex to avoid pregnancy and disease?
“I guess one thing we should talk about is what is sex? Does it mean vaginal intercourse, oral sex or anal intercourse? If we’re talking about pregnancy, I think we are talking about vaginal intercourse. There are various ways of preventing pregnancy.
"The most definite way to prevent pregnancy is not to have sex. The hormonal methods are generally the most effective and those are what’s called the pill, or the oral contraceptive pill. If used the correct way, and you always take it when you’re supposed to, it’s over 99 percent effective. If you use it not quite regularly, and you skip every now and then, then it’s not as effective.
There’s also the Depo-Provera shot, which is the monthly shot. There is now a vaginal ring, which is more of a newer one. There’s a patch, there are a lot of different methods that release hormones and can prevent pregnancy. Those as a group tend to be very effective. Again, they have to be used in the correct way.
Those don’t prevent disease at all; the only contraceptive that prevents disease is condoms. There’s the male condom and the female condom, which isn’t as well known. They’re not perfect—the condom can break for example—but if used the correct way, they’re very good. I think everyone needs to remember that they’re not perfect and need to be used properly.”
Which is the best method of contraception?
“I think it depends on a person’s individual needs. Each person needs to read about the different options, or talk with his or her doctor or nurse or parents for advice.
The birth control pill is very effective, but you have to remember to take it. There are some people that remember to take it when they brush their teeth. It’s easier if you can leave it on a bathroom counter or someplace else where you can see it, or if you have to hide it, you know, in a drawer. It depends if you’re comfortable with others even seeing the pill.
But if you’re someone who has trouble remembering to do something regularly, the pill can be hard and then you can forget to take it. The shot is much easier to take, you gotta go and get it, but it’s not that often. It’s only four times a year. It’s easier to make your appointment to go get your shot, have it on your calendar and then go get it so that I think particularly for people who might not be as organized and who might be a little forgetful or just tired and busy, the shot is more dependable.
Condoms are not as effective but they also help prevent disease so often physicians recommend using two methods, often one method that’s really effective against pregnancy but they also use condoms to prevent disease.”
Which birth control method is the most affordable?
“That would depend on if the teen has health insurance and if the health insurance covers certain prescription contraceptives. So I unfortunately do not have a really simple answer to that question. For anything but the condom, you’ve got to go to your physician or nurse practitioner to get a prescription anyway. That’s’ a very important question to talk over with your physician because you can discuss your specific insurance plan and what is and isn’t covered.”