Contraception for the adolescent.
The primary care physician is in an excellent position to counsel adolescents about contraception. However, an adequate understanding of the biologic and psychosocial development of this particular age-group is imperative. In addition, communication skills are necessary to advise adolescents on use of contraceptives. The goal in counseling the adolescent about sexuality is to instill a sense of sexual responsibility and to provide individualized instruction in selecting the appropriate birth control method. General factors to remember in selecting the proper method include motivation, moral-ethical responsibility, frequency of intercourse, side effects of the various contraceptive methods, and patient's preference.
D000293:Adolescent; D003267:Contraception; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003273:Contraceptive Devices; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D008297:Male
D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital