title: Contraceptive care for the adolescent.
abstract: Despite recent improvements in rates of teen pregnancy, abortion, birth,and contraceptive use, effective contraceptive counseling for adolescents should be a high priority for the primary care provider in the office setting. Adolescent psychosocial risk screening and appropriate counseling about sexual decision-making is necessary. Contraceptive services visits include, relevant history, limited physical examination, provision of information, anticipatory guidance about sexual behaviors, and the provision of contraceptive methods. Teens should always be encouraged to use a male condom during sex to reduce STI risk. A variety of barrier and hormonal contraceptive methods are available for the adolescent population. Education about and provision of EC is effective in reducing the rate of unintended pregnancy and abortion in the United States. Contraceptive care for adolescents is a rewarding experience for primary care providers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA. Elizabeth.Feldman@advocatehealth.com
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Feldman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003273:Contraceptive Devices; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011320:Primary Health Care
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female