REVIEW   

Minerva Pediatrica 2017 October;69(5):403-14

DOI: 10.23736/S0026-4946.17.05026-5

Copyright © 2017 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Contraception options and provision to adolescents

Cynthia L. ROBBINS ✉, Mary A. OTT

Section of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA

Adolescent pregnancy is a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality. Adolescents who become pregnancy have lower educational attainment, are more likely to live in poverty, and have lower wellbeing. Increasing access to hormonal contraceptives and long acting reversible contraception is highly effective in reducing adolescent pregnancies. This narrative review covers key aspects of the provision of contraception to adolescents, including confidentiality, counseling, and data supporting expanded access to adolescents. We provide information for pediatric providers to start adolescent patients on contraceptives, including a detailed description of each method, including effectiveness, use, starting, side effects and benefits. Tools for counseling and prescribing are provided.

KEY WORDS: Contraception - Adolescent - Counseling - Intrauterine devices