Contraception options: Aspects unique to adolescent and young adult

Abstract

Sexual health for adolescents is based on three components: recognizing sexual rights, sexuality education and counseling, and thirdly confidential high quality services. Contraception needs to include prevention of both STIs and pregnancies. The first option for adolescents is condoms backed-up by emergency contraception; and later hormonal contraceptives in a longer, mutually monogamous relationship. Condoms and hormonal contraception together can be well recommended for adolescents for dual protection. Long acting reversible contraception (LARC) including both intrauterine contraception and implants are safe and highly effective and thus well suited for adolescents. Improved contraceptive methods do not automatically lead to reduced numbers of adolescent abortions. When sexuality education, proper counseling and sexual health services are all provided, it is possible to profoundly improve adolescent sexual health.

Keywords: Adolescents; Emergency contraception; Intrauterine contraception; Long-acting reversible contraception.