Adolescent contraception: an update

Abstract

Increased adolescent sexual activity in the past decade has resulted in corresponding increases in pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion, as well as a changing spectrum of sexually transmitted diseases. Contraceptive use in this age group remains limited and is subject to developmental, peer, family, and cultural influences. The most appropriate contraceptive methods may differ among adolescents when compared with older parous women based upon such factors as efficacy, availability, cost, side effects, reversibility, and the need for preplanning. This review updates changes in patterns of contraceptive use among adolescents, presents recent data on both the benefits and the potential risks of the oral contraceptive pill, and addresses the risk of complications with the intrauterine device. The possible teratogenicity of spermicides, the risk of toxic shock syndrome with barrier methods of contraception, and controversy about the use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate are explored. Newly introduced methods such as the triphasic pill, vaginal sponge, cervical cap, spermicidal condom, and a simplified approach to postcoital contraception are discussed. Finally, recent compliance studies conducted among adolescents are reviewed.