Female adolescent contraception
Harbin, R.E.
Pediatric Nursing 21(3): 221-226
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0097-9805 PMID: 7792103 Document Number: 454158
Health care providers who work with sexually active female adolescents must ensure their patients privacy and confidentiality, counsel about age-appropriate sexual behavior and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and identify the most effective and suitable contraceptive method. The most popular forms of contraception for this age group are Norplant, Depo-Provera, oral contraceptives (OCs), and condoms. Norplant and Depo-Provera are often selected because their effectiveness is not dependent on patient compliance; however, acceptors must be counseled about likely problems with menstrual abnormalities. The newer low-dose combined OCs reduce many of the side effects associated with this method. Providers must be familiar with the Food and Drug Administration guidelines on OC counseling regarding start date, missed pills, and back-up contraception. A small supply of condoms can be provided with every OC prescription for protection against STDs. Some adolescents may need education to improve their skills regarding condom use negotiation. In all cases, counseling should be tailored to the adolescents' psychosexual developmental level.