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New options in contraception for adolescents
1Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, G437, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2583, USA. sucatog@chplink.chp.edu
Current Women'S Health Reports
|July 13, 2002
Summary
Recent advances in adolescent contraception include a new monthly injectable, low-dose oral contraceptives with fewer side effects, continuous cycle pill regimens, and extended emergency contraception availability. These options improve efficacy, compliance, and menstrual symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Adolescent Medicine
- Contraception
Background:
- Adolescents require effective and accessible contraceptive methods.
- Existing methods may have limitations in efficacy, side effect profiles, or adherence.
- Menstrual cycle regulation and non-contraceptive benefits are important considerations for this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in contraceptive methods for adolescents in the United States.
- To highlight the benefits and characteristics of new and modified contraceptive options.
- To emphasize strategies for improving access and adherence to contraception.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature and product information on adolescent contraceptive methods.
- Analysis of efficacy, safety, and usability data for new and existing options.
- Discussion of strategies for optimizing contraceptive care, including emergency contraception.
Main Results:
- A new monthly injectable contraceptive offers high efficacy and excellent menstrual cycle control.
- Very low-dose oral contraceptives with gonane progestins reduce estrogen-related side effects and breakthrough bleeding.
- Continuous oral contraceptive pill cycling can alleviate menstrual symptoms and enhance effectiveness.
- Extended prescribing time for emergency contraception to 120 hours improves access.
Conclusions:
- Recent innovations provide adolescents with improved contraceptive choices, addressing efficacy, side effects, and cycle control.
- Non-contraceptive benefits of oral contraceptives can improve adherence.
- Proactive provision of emergency contraception is recommended to maximize its effectiveness.