Are there worries if a teenager takes the pill?

There is no evidence that the pill will stunt growth. Indeed there are no additional dangers for a teenager taking the pill than for an adult. The risks relate to emotional development and dangers of sexually transmitted disease but not specifically to the pill itself.

Progestogen-only pills, the mini-pill have a higher failure rate than the combined pill. They do not inhibit ovulation and the margin of safe pill taking is down to three hours rather than the twelve hours of the combined pill. These pills do not provide good cycle control and compliance may be poor. They are recommended for young breast-feeding mothers.Long-acting hormone methods, including injections of Depo-Provera at twelve week intervals, may be attractive to teenagers as they are convenient, reasonably reliable and provide secrecy from the family. Irregular or absent periods are common reasons for changing to another method. The conventional IUCD is associated with an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and subsequent infertility. They may also increase menstrual flow and pain.

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