Contraception in the adolescent patient

Having presented an overview of the available methods of contraception, the authors present one approach to prescribing contraceptives based on their experience. First, adolescent patients in our practice are discouraged from engaging in sexual intercourse. Abstinence is the only fail-safe method of contraception and provides benefits both emotionally and physically (i.e., prevention from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies). If the adolescent plans to be sexually active, however, she is encouraged to select some form of hormonal contraception, namely Norplant, Depo-Provera, or oral contraceptives, in conjunction with condoms. The authors have had little success recommending barrier methods alone. Condoms are used sporadically and the diaphragm is very awkward for adolescents who are still uncomfortable with their bodies and with touching themselves. Of the three hormonal methods, Depo-Provera seems to be well-accepted by our patients. It offers several advantages that we believe make it attractive. First, it does not require any forethought by the patient other than coming in for the injection every 3 months. There is an effective grace period, so the patient is afforded good contraception even if she is up to a month late for her injection. The frequent visits for injections actually can be looked upon as positive, frequent contacts with the patient and can provide opportunities for counseling. In addition, some patients become amenorrheic, which teens view as an advantage, increasing compliance. If it is not likely that a patient will be compliant with every-3-month injections, Norplant is recommended. Studies have shown good acceptance of Norplant by adolescents and that has been the experience of the authors. With appropriate counseling prior to insertion and a counseling session with patients who request removal, the number of actual Norplant removals has been limited. If Depo-Provera and Norplant are not acceptable to the patient, then oral contraceptives are recommended. Of the three methods, more opportunities for failure exist with oral contraceptives. Pills are missed for a variety of reasons, including going away for the weekend; not having a regular schedule, which can interrupt pill-taking; and even ambivalence about becoming pregnant. One recent study demonstrated certain patient characteristics that were associated with good compliance with oral contraceptives, including white race, higher education level, suburban residence, and older age of both the patient and her mate. Keeping these characteristics in mind may be helpful when prescribing oral contraceptives. Of course, it is the patient's prerogative to choose the type of contraception she feels will be best suited for her.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)