title: Oral contraceptive pills: considerations for the adolescent patient.
abstract: Combined oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are the most commonly prescribed method of birth control for adolescents. This article presents an overview of OCP pharmacology and summarizes the different types of OCPs. The initial patient evaluation and subsequent care are described, with a focus on management plans specific to adolescents. Emergency contraception, an alternative use of OCPs, is described as well. A thorough knowledge of OCPs and an appreciation of adolescent-specific management plans will enhance nurse practitioners' skills in preventing pregnancy in their adolescent patients.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas-Houston Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, 6431 Fannin St, MSB 3.123, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Cromwell
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Daley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003267:Contraception; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital