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Minerva Ginecologica 2001 December;53(6):405-12

Copyright © 2001 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Hormonal contraception in adolescents

Ghezzi F., Buttarelli M., Cromi A., Di Naro E., Franchi M.

The proper use of hormonal contraceptives represents an effective and safe prevention of unintended pregnancies which are still associated with morbidity and mortality. The side effects of the hormonal method are of concern to many young women even if a lot of adolescents are unaware of health benefits associated with their use except for those regarding menstrual disorders. Effective contraception improves health and may gives non contraceptives benefits such as a decreased risk of developing pelvic inflammatory diseases and improvement of endometriosis. However, incorrect or inconsistent use and discontinuation rate are higher in young girls than in older women determining a higher incidence of voluntary abortion. The use of hormonal contraception in adolescents is still a topic of discussion among medical practitioners. Adolescents require an accurate screening and a more frequent follow-up to reduce side effects and improve compliance and use.