title: Contraception for the adolescent.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital