I Thought my Boyfriend was not going to support an Idea of Contraceptives- Jennifer 19

“Dangers that lurk in the world”

Since I hit puberty, sex education has been like a choir singing in our household. Both my mother and elder sister practically shoved it down my throat lest I forget the dangers that lurk in the world. Yet, as a single parent, my mother strived to give the best for her children. She worked hard to make sure we didn’t struggle or suffer. I will forever love her for that.

“I was embarrassed and scared to ask about birth control.”

So teenage pregnancy, STIs, HIV/AIDS and a drastic change in my future were a few examples my mother gave of the consequences of unsafe sex. She sang this song daily, ensuring I was aware of and listening to her. I became over-cautious and promised never to let my guard down. So when I got my first boyfriend, I was nervous and anxious. When the time came, he invited me to his place, and I knew what would happen next. I wasn't prepared. I wasn’t on any birth control. I was embarrassed and scared about asking about them and for them. I wasn't about to ask my mom. I knew it would come with a lecture and a tongue-lashing.

“He supported me.”

I had abstained from sexual activities almost all my teenage hood and wasn't about to become a young mom. Not after being warned and cautioned all my life about it. I had a lot to think about and do. I had a plan for my life. I had carved out my future. I decided to voice my concerns to him and was relieved to hear that he wanted what I wanted and to support me. He accompanied me to the doctor's, where I learnt about different forms of contraceptives and got to pick one that was suitable for me.