Contraceptive preferences of adolescents and the role of counseling
Endler, M.; Spernol, R.; Beck, A.
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique 39(6): 458-461
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-5930 PMID: 7202262 Document Number: 192894
Among 1471 women in the planned parenthood clinic, there were 149 adolescents under the age of 18 (10.1%). 34.9% had not used contraceptives up to now, 39.8% were using the pill, and 18.7% were using spermicides. The growing number of adolescents who ask for an IUD reflects the overall trend in oral contraceptive decrease and an increase in the group who prefer an IUD. According to the recommendation that IUDs be used in adolescents only in exceptional cases, 77.3% received the pill after medical counseling, and 11.3% received an IUD, 1.4% received spermicides. The recommended method of contraception reflects the attitude of the medical doctor who prefers safer methods. The dialogue between doctor and petient, openminded on both sides, should be circumstantial. Both parties should be in agreement on the method chosen. If this final point were emphasized more often, more than 40.7% would consult the clinic more than 1 time. (author's)