Teenage pregnancies are preventable. The media is a large contributor to making the struggles of teen pregnancy much more apparent. Reality shows like MTV's "Teen Mom" and "16 & Pregnant" expose teens to a candid view of pregnancy.

These shows provide a thorough understanding of reality after childbirth. Based on the majority of teen mothers shown on the reality shows, I've concluded that having a child while you're still a child yourself is not glamorous or easy.

Teen pregnancy is a serious matter that will change your life forever. I feel like some teens don't realize the constant work of having a baby and the responsibilities that come with it. The reality shows point this out.

While most teens fear the possibility of having a child, some teens try to get pregnant or look forward to a young pregnancy. They like the idea of having something so small and beautiful, a life that they created. Unfortunately, having a child is so much more than that.

A child is a person that you are obligated to provide and care for until they are at least 18 and no longer a minor. This means providing proper housing, food, schooling, health, clothes and many other responsibilities which a majority of teens are not prepared to be accountable for.

It's sad that some teenagers don't see all the work included beforehand and it takes a baby to open their eyes. It's not fair for the child to be neglected because you're not ready to be a parent. Sex comes with consequences and many teens need to understand that and be responsible.

Many teens are sexually active and don't think that pregnancy could actually happen to them. Others blindly choose to ignore contraception, which is in fact very helpful in pregnancy prevention.

A lot of teenagers' parents do not allow their children to use contraception because they are under the impression that they are not sexually active. However, to get many forms of contraception, parental consent is not needed.

Contraception methods include condoms, the pill, Ortho Evra patch, Depo Provera shot, and the morning-after pill, which terminates a pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. Most of these can be obtained at your local pharmacy or at your doctor's or gynecologist's office.

Teens need to utilize the available contraception that will save them up to 18 years of struggle. Abstinence is constantly preached to teenagers, but realistically, it is not a popularly practiced option.

Whatever teenagers decide to do, they need to be smart about it.

Females: protect yourself from becoming pregnant and do not always rely on your partner to be prepared. Tell them to use a condom or use your own contraception if you are sexually active.

Males: be aware of the major role you play in pregnancy. It is your responsibility to carry condoms if you have sex regularly and to use them. Don't exchange a moment of physical pleasure for 18 years of being a father before you're mentally and emotonally ready.

It's also important for males and females to wait until they are ready to deal with the consequences of a sexual relationship. It is your moral responsibility to not pressure your partner into having sex if they are not ready. A small tip to always remember: no means no.