Approach to the adolescent requesting contraception.
It is essential to develop contraceptive counseling skills given the potential complications associated with an unplanned pregnancy, especially for adolescents. Multiple factors must be considered when reviewing contraceptive options with an adolescent: maturity, finances, access to care and prescriptions, confidentiality, medical risks and benefits, and contraindications to use of certain hormonal agents. Many adolescents will be concerned about the possibility of weight gain or the development of acne associated with the use of certain contraceptive agents. They are usually unaware of the risks of thrombosis, stroke, or adverse bone health effects. Providers must be able to speak to these issues using an evidence-based approach.
Division of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. catherine.gordon@childrens.harvard.edu
Catherine M
CM
Gordon
Sarah A B
SA
Pitts
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D003267:Contraception / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000075202:Contraindications; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012736:Sex Education / Q000379:methods
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal