title: Adolescents' experiences using the contraceptive patch versus pills.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare use of the weekly transdermal contraceptive patch (patch) with daily combined hormonal contraceptive pills (pills) in adolescents.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective longitudinal study of adolescents' self-selected (non-randomized) use of the patch or pills.
  
  
  METHODS
  Urban, university hospital-affiliated, adolescent outpatient clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  13-22-year-old female adolescents seeking hormonal contraception, 40 who chose the patch and 40 who chose pills.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected via self-report on paper questionnaires at three-cycle intervals for a total of up to nine cycles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Method continuation, perfect use, method satisfaction, quality of life, and side effects, including menstrual changes and perceived mood changes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After nine cycles, 38% of patch users and 60% of pill users were still using the method they had chosen at enrollment. There were no significant differences between the groups in self-reported perfect use. No differences were found in quality of life or side effects. Both patch and pill users noted menses became lighter and more predictable and reported decreased depression prior to their menses; only the pill group reported improvement in premenstrual anger. Method satisfaction was similar in both groups except patch users were more likely to report that their contraceptive method improved normal daily activities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite apparent advantages of the patch over the pill, adolescents using both methods continue to face challenges achieving perfect and sustained contraceptive use.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Gina.Sucato@chp.edu
authors: Gina S
authors: GS
authors: Sucato
authors: Stephanie R
authors: SR
authors: Land
authors: Pamela J
authors: PJ
authors: Murray
authors: Reena
authors: R
authors: Cecchini
authors: Melanie A
authors: MA
authors: Gold
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004967:Estrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008598:Menstruation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D057968:Transdermal Patch / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004967:Estrogens; D009644:Norgestrel; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D016912:Levonorgestrel; C017576:norgestimate