title: Providing Contraception to Adolescents.
abstract: Adolescents have high rates of unintended pregnancy and face unique reproductive health challenges. Providing confidential contraceptive services to adolescents is important in reducing the rate of unintended pregnancy. Long-acting contraception such as the intrauterine device and contraceptive implant are recommended as first-line contraceptives for adolescents because they are highly effective with few side effects. The use of barrier methods to prevent sexually transmitted infections should be encouraged. Adolescents have limited knowledge of reproductive health and contraceptive options, and their sources of information are often unreliable. Access to contraception is available through a variety of resources that continue to expand.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, 1319 Punahou Street, Suite 824, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA. Electronic address: sraidoo@hawaii.edu.
authors.forename: Shandhini
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Raidoo
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, 1319 Punahou Street, Suite 824, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA.
authors.forename: Bliss
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kaneshiro
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003267:Contraception; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D034121:Reproductive Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Access; Adolescents; Birth control; Contraception; Implant; Intrauterine device; Long-acting reversible contraception; Teens