Teenage Contraception

What contraceptive options are available for adolescents?

The full range of contraceptive options should be available. The easiest contraceptive for them to obtain is condoms. These have advantages in the prevention of sexually transmitted disease but may not be the most effective contraceptive. Teenage sex is often unplanned and condom usage is therefore variable.

The combined oral contraceptive pill is the most effective method and it is simple to use. The disadvantage is that it provides no protection against sexually transmitted disease. The combination of pill and condom is the ideal if suitable encouragement can be provided. Breakthrough bleeding on the pill may be due to poor compliance or perhaps pelvic infection. There is no definite evidence that the phasic pills (Q16.2) are less likely to cause this problem. Furthermore, the phasic pills do not lend themselves so easily to cycle adjustment such as taking two packets back-to-back to avoid menstruation at difficult times such as vacations. The combined oral contraceptive pill provides good cycle control and may have advantages in reducing menstrual flow and painful periods. An additional benefit is that acne and hirsutism may improve.

Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-

Extended cycling of combined hormonal contraceptives in adolescents: physician views and prescribing practices. (2007-01)
Explaining recent declines in adolescent pregnancy in the United States: the contribution of abstinence and improved contraceptive use. (2007-02)
Sexual abstinence, contraception, and condom use by young African women: a secondary analysis of survey data. (2006-01)
Menstrual irregularity from hormonal contraception: a cause of reproductive health concerns in minority adolescent young women. (2006-02)
Patterns of emergency contraception use by age and ethnicity from a randomized trial comparing advance provision and information only. (2006-03)
Pharmacokinetics of single-dose levonorgestrel in adolescents. (2006-04)
Emergency contraception: a primer for pediatric providers. (2006-05)
Hormonal contraception in adolescents: special considerations. (2006-06)
Menstrual patterns under hormonal contraception in adolescent girls and young women. (2006-07)
The effect of increased access to emergency contraception among young adolescents. (2005-01)
Concentration of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and pain scores in adolescents: a randomized clinical trial. (2005-02)
Adolescents' reports of parental knowledge of adolescents' use of sexual health services and their reactions to mandated parental notification for prescription contraception. (2005-03)
Double-blinded randomized controlled trial of estrogen supplementation in adolescent girls who receive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate for contraception. (2005-04)
Teenage contraceptive use in Iceland: a gender perspective. (2005-05)
Concerns about contraceptive side effects among young Latinas: a focus-group approach. (2004-01)
Update on adolescent contraception. (2000-01)

Please click on the required question.

Q 5. 1 Our baby has had a little vaginal bleeding. Is this worrying?
Q 5. 2 What are intersex states?
Q 5. 3 Our toddler does not seem to have a normal opening down below. What should be done?
Q 5. 4 My little girl has a vaginal discharge. What might be the cause?
Q 5. 5 What is puberty?
Q 5. 6 What is precocious puberty?
Q 5.7 Our teenage daughter's periods have not started yet. When should we seek medical advice?
Q 5. 8 Our daughter's periods are occurring infrequently. Should we be concerned?
Q 5. 9 What is adolescence?
Q 5. 10 What is acne and how can acne be treated?
Q 5. 11 Our teenage daughter seems to have more body hair than we would expect. What should be done?
Q 5. 12 Our teenage daughter's periods are so heavy that she has to be absent from school. What can we do?
Q 5. 13 How does the doctor determine the treatment of heavy periods for an adolescent?
Q 5. 14 How long should treatment of heavy periods be continued with an adolescent?
Q 5. 15 Should a D and C (cervical dilatation and curettage Q 24.12) be performed for an adolescent with period problems?
Q 5. 16 Are there any particular worries about a teen pregnancy?
Q 5. 17 What should be the purpose of sex education?
Q 5.18 My adolescent daughter is being difficult. Could she have an underlying hormone problem?
Q 5. 19 Are there any special contraceptive considerations for teenagers?
Q 5. 20 What contraceptive options are available to adolescents?
Q 5. 21 Are there any medical worries if a young teenager takes the oral contraceptive pill?
Q 5. 22 Can a teenager use emergency contraception?
Q 5. 23 Where can I obtain more information?
Q 5. 24 Could I have some child support groups and teen support groups?
Q 5. 25 Could I have some acne support groups?

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The aim of this web site is to provide a general guide and it is not intended as a substitute for a consultation with an appropriate specialist in respect of individual care and treatment.

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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London.

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