Anita Gottlieb

Adolescent Contraception: An Overview

Abstract More than 50% of all adolescents in the U.S. have engaged in sexual intercourse by the age of 18. Due to the increase in involvement of adolescents in sexual activity, it is imperative that the health care provider be aware of the contraceptive methods that are best for compliance and effectiveness in these young patients. An open and nonjudgmental relationship should be encouraged between the adolescent and her medical practitioner. Compliance remains the most difficult problem in adolescent contraception and is an important antecedent of adolescent pregnancy. Pregnancy prevention should be a primary goal of clinicians who care for sexually active adolescents. The various contraceptive methods now available as well as methods under research are described and their appropriateness for adolescents is discussed. The availability of services and programs aimed at adolescents that encourage responsible behavior towards sexuality and contraception should be the objective of each health care provider.