Contraception in the Adolescent: An Update

Abstract

Contraception remains an important part of national efforts to reduce adolescent pregnancy in the United States. A number of safe and effective contraceptive methods are available for our youth, including abstinence, barrier methods, oral contraceptives, Depo-Provera, and Norplant. Research over the past few decades has resulted in a variety of oral contraceptives with reduced amounts of hormones and reduced side-effects. A number of methods have received approval by the Food and Drug Administration since the last review in 1980, including emergency contraceptives, depomedroxyprogesterone acetate, and the cervical cap. The use of condoms and vaginal spermicides continues to be recommended for all sexually active adolescents to reduce (not eliminate) the risk for acquiring sexually transmitted diseases. A polyurethane condom is now available, in addition to the latex condom and other barrier contraceptives, including the following: diaphragm, cervical cap, vaginal sponge, female condom and vaginal spermicides. Because of continuing concerns about pelvic inflammatory disease related to intrauterine devices, currently available intrauterine devices are not recommended for most adolescents. Abortion is not considered as a contraceptive method.

V/P scan in diagnosis and follow-up of pulmonary embolism in 15-25-year-old females in relation to hormonal contraception use

“…The relative risk for VTE in women who have this station is approximately 35 for OC users compared with nonusers [13].…”

Involuntary sterilization of persons with mental retardation: An ethical analysis

“…Monthly intra-muscular injections (Lunelle) can accomplish contraception in those who will not take pills or cannot be supervised closely enough to assure that they take them. Norplant, which may be more effective than other forms of contraception, is reversible, easily monitored, and involves a nearly painless 10 minute office procedure with a duration of effectiveness up to 5 years [Greydanus et al, 2001]. Transdermal contraceptive patches are also now available, requiring weekly applications [Ortho Evra-A Contraceptive Patch, 2002].…”

Vulvo-vaginal candidosis in a cohort of hormonal contraceptive users in Ibadan, Nigeria

“…Contraception has been recognized as an important part of national efforts in many countries of the world to reduce adolescent pregnancies (1). Avoidance of unintended pregnancies requires access to, and appropriate use of effective and safe methods of fertility control (2), This invariably leads to the improvement of reproductive health of sexually active young women (2).…”