Counseling Adolescents About Contraception

What Is Contraception Counseling for Adolescents?

Contraceptives aid in preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI) in people. All teenagers should learn about contraception to have the information they need to make safe and healthy choices.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to converse with their teenage kids about how refraining from sexual activity is the best defense against STIs, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection, and pregnancy. However, effective methods of contraception should also be covered in these discussions.

Around the time a child is 1, pediatricians begin discussing sexual behavior, birth control, and STI prevention strategies. They can recommend alternative community options or offer or prescribe contraception in the office.

What Are the Aims of Counseling Adolescents About Contraception?

Adolescents (teenagers) must be counseled about contraception for the following purposes-

• No matter the patient's age or history of sexual activity, the obstetrician-gynecologist should routinely discuss their requirements, expectations, and worries regarding contraception.

• Medical practitioners should be aware of the most typical misconceptions about contraceptive techniques and be ready to address them in a way that is age-appropriate and consistent with the patient's level of health literacy.

• It is advised by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) that discussions regarding contraception start with information about the most effective procedures. Emergency contraception should frequently be brought up in conversations concerning contraception, especially regarding access difficulties.

• Obstetrician-gynecologists must create office practices and routines with their personnel that, if possible, protect the privacy of adolescent patients.

• No adult, whether a parent, guardian, partner, or healthcare professional, should ever make an adolescent patient adopt a method they did not choose.

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, the initial meeting and subsequent visits should involve ongoing evaluations of sexual concerns, behavior, relationships, prevention methods, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.

What Are the Various Contraception Options for Teens and Adolescents?

The following methods of contraception can be explained to adolescents:

1) Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) - The best contraceptives for preventing pregnancy are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). LARCs do not function as "barrier methods" or as a means of preventing STDs. Using a condom or other sort of barrier protection during sexual activity is therefore required for teenagers who use LARCs to prevent infections. LARCs come in two distinct types-

Intrauterine Device (IUD) - A T-shaped birth control device that is tiny and flexible. An experienced provider inserts it into the uterus. There are two varieties:

• Levonorgestrel IUD - Hormones are not present in it. It does not require replacement for 10 to 12 years.

• Copper T IUD - It has a hormone in it. It does not require replacement for three to seven years.

Subdermal Implant - It is a thin, flexible plastic implant containing the hormone etonogestrel. The implant is about four centimeters in length and two millimeters in diameter. It is positioned on the upper arm below the skin (subdermal). It offers secure, long-term birth control. It is replaced usually after three to five years. It contains progestin, a hormone that stops an egg from being released from the ovary. Infections that are transmitted sexually cannot be prevented.

2) Short-Acting Contraceptives - Short-acting contraceptives come in a wide variety. They have a pregnancy prevention rate of more than 90 %. To stop sexually transmitted infections, they must be used in conjunction with a condom or another sort of barrier protection.

• Progestin Injection - It comprises an injection that blocks the release of eggs from the ovaries. It provides long-term protection and requires doctor checkups every three months. The shot also guards against iron deficiency anemia and endometrial cancer. It does not provide protection against STIs.

• Contraceptive Vaginal Ring - Etonogestrel and Ethinyl estradiol, found in the ring, prevent ovulation in the ovaries. Users place the ring in the vagina once a month. Three weeks are spent leaving it in place, followed by one week of removing it (the week they get menses).

• Transdermal Patch - The patch contains hormones that are absorbed through the skin (norelgestromin and Ethinyl estradiol). The ovaries cannot release an egg because of the hormones. For three weeks, users apply a new patch every week and remove the old one. After that, users go one week without wearing a patch (the week they get menses).

• Oral Contraceptive Pills - There are two different varieties of oral contraceptives. The two female sex hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, estrogen, and progesterone, are both found in the combined oral contraceptive pill. The mini-pill, commonly known as the progestin-only pill, only contains one hormone. Adolescents are not frequently prescribed it.

3) Barrier Methods of Protection -

• External Condom (Male Condom) - It is made of latex, a synthetic or natural material shaped to fit over the penis. It can be clubbed with other contraceptive techniques to prevent pregnancy and protect against infections. It is one of the few techniques that offer STI protection. It might break or come off while having sex. Condoms made of polyurethane or polyisoprene may be required for those who are allergic to latex.

• Internal Condom (Female Condom) - It is a polyurethane sheath with two loose-fitting flexible rings. One ring fits in the mouth, anus, or vagina. The second one fits outside. It can be used along with other techniques to boost pregnancy prevention while offering infection protection. It should be prescribed by a professional and can not be obtained over the counter. It could be challenging to install or may slip while being used.

4) Dental Dam - It is a barrier that covers any part of the user's body, including the penis, vulva, vagina, mouth, and anus, with a latex or synthetic (nitrile or polyurethane) sheet. During oral intercourse, it offers infection protection.

5) Emergency Contraception - Progestin hormones are present in emergency contraception. It can help to prevent pregnancy or conception for up to five days after sexual intercourse. Timing is crucial. It will have a better chance of preventing pregnancy if it is taken as soon as possible following sexual activity. Sexually transmitted diseases cannot be prevented.

6) Other Methods - There are some pregnancy prevention techniques that are less effective than others. Additionally, they do not shield individuals from acquiring STIs.

• Withdrawal Method - In this technique, ejaculation occurs before the penis is removed from the vagina. Before ejaculation, the penis secretes fluids into the vagina even when done correctly. Along with thousands of sperm, this fluid occasionally also contains bacteria or viruses.

• Spermicide - Before having sex, a woman inserts this gel, cream, or foam deeply into her vagina. It could be untidy and challenging to use. It may raise the chance of HIV infection for those who are already at high risk.

• Fertility Awareness Methods - A woman monitors her cycle, takes her temperature every morning, and daily examines the cervical mucus for color and texture. She does not have sex during the week when she shows signs of ovulation.

Conclusion:

In order to effectively counsel adolescents about contraception, it is important to recognize the particular obstacles that they experience and to support their decision-making about contraceptive techniques in a way that prioritizes their autonomy. When parents discuss contraception with their children, it may feel awkward to them, but it is crucial to safeguard their health and wellness. Since modern contraceptives are highly successful when used properly, effective contraceptive counseling and the availability of resources to promote access are crucial elements of adolescent health care.