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Many adolescents choose to postpone having sexual intercourse; others become sexually active during their teen years. Approximately, half of teenagers in 9th to 12th grade have had sexual intercourse. About 1 in 10 teenagers between age 15 and 19 becomes pregnant each year. Many teens can talk to their parents about sexual decision making, others find it difficult or impossible.
The counseling of adolescents in the area of contraception requires knowledge of adolescent development and the available forms of contraception. Correct and effective use of contraception is dependent on several factors including the personal characteristics of the user, the method and the service system providing the method.
Effective contraception involves the ability to think abstractly, plan ahead, and take action including visiting a clinic or doctor. Young adolescents may not have reached the developmental stage in which they can organize a plan. Strategies are needed to delay the onset of sexual activity, make barrier contraceptives more available and acceptable to adolescents, improve access to services, tailor patient education, and develop better long-acting contraception.
The threat of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases has led to an increased use of condoms. Adolescents must understand that oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, which is why the use of condoms is still necessary.
For more information go to the Center for Young Women's Health website.
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