Contraception For Adolescent And Young Adult Women

Forty-five percent of adolescents ages 15-19 have had sexual intercourse. By age 19, 75% of all adolescents have had sexual intercourse. Most adolescents select condoms as their most reliable method of contraception. The United States continues to rank among the highest of all similarly developed countries in rates of adolescent pregnancy, and the unintended pregnancy rate is highest among women ages 20-24. The reasons for these public health statistics are myriad, but a major issue is that adolescents and young women use contraception inconsistently. Thus, there is a need for youth to learn about and use contraception consistently and effectively. Unfortunately, misinformation abounds, even among practicing clinicians. Young people need a clinician who is up to date on clinical recommendations regarding contraceptive care. The busy clinician needs information at his or her fingertips, needs to know how to create a teen-friendly environment and must exhibit best contraceptive counseling practices. Gynecologists and primary care practitioners (as well as family physicians, adolescent medicine physicians and pediatricians) are on the front lines when it comes to discussing, recommending and prescribing contraceptive options to adolescent and young women. This book is a valuable resource for these clinicians; it is the only handbook on the market on contraception for the adolescent and young adult women and it is filled with evidence-based information in an easy to read and easy to digest format. Now is an optimal time for a book of this sort. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just completed a clinical guideline for contraceptive care based on the World Health Organization’s Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC). The United States MEC seeks to demystify contraceptive care for all women. It also lays the groundwork for helping providers improve clinical practice in contraceptive care. Contraception for Adolescent and Young Adult Women will complement these efforts in a manner tailored to the unique needs of this population.

Abstract: This book presents the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the Committee on Child Development Research and Public Policy within the National Research Council. The panel examined research and existing programs which address the areas of adolescent sexuality, pregnancy, and childbearing with the intent of making recommendations for policy making, program design, program evaluation, and research. The panel's report is presented in chapters addressing the following topics: trends in adolescent sexuality and fertility, society and changing roles of adolescents, determinants of sexual behavior, effects of adolescent childbearing, interventions, and priorities for data collection, research, policies, and programs. An accompanying volume contains the working papers on which the report was based. The working papers address three broad areas, which are: 1) influences on early sexual and fertility behavior, 2) consequences of early sexual and fertility behavior, and 3) programs and policies related to teen pregnancy and sexuality.

Many individuals worldwide initiate sexual activity during their adolescent and young adult (AYA) years and are in need of safe and effective contraceptive services. Because of their safety profile, ease of use, and privacy many international professional organizations recommend that long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), including intrauterine devices (IUDs), be included in contraception discussions with AYAs. IUDs are particularly advantageous because these methods are safe and highly effective (>99% efficacy), are easier to keep confidential because they are often undetectable to others, and do not require daily adherence or frequent visits for refills. Despite significant evidence of their safety, acceptability, and effectiveness among adolescents and AYAs, IUDs remain underutilized in this population. Written by experts in the field, Optimizing IUD Delivery for Adolescents and Young Adults provides a comprehensive framework that examines the history of IUDs, counseling, initiation, placement, and follow-up techniques that are unique to AYA populations. The text closes with resource chapters, including, expert clinical pearls for AYA IUD delivery, how to access IUD training, and information on IUD billing and reimbursement. In an effort to integrate the voice of youth, clinical case examples and patient stories are utilized throughout to provide both a clinical grounding for each chapter and context within which to apply the chapter material.

This issue will provide an update on contraception for adolescents. The content will include an overview of contraceptive practices among adolescents with specific articles on hormonal and nonhormonal methods including barrier contraceptives, emergency contraception and the IUD. One article will address contraceptive issues for teens in the developing world. The issue will also include a review of the noncontraceptive benefits of hormonal methods and potential interactions with other medications including herbal products. Specific concerns for teens with chronic illnesses and disabilities will be discussed along with new contraceptive methods under development.

This document is one of two evidence-based cornerstones of the World Health Organization's (WHO) new initiative to develop and implement evidence-based guidelines for family planning. The first cornerstone, the Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use (third edition) published in 2004, provides guidance for who can use contraceptive methods safely. This document, the Selected practice recommendations for contraceptive use (second edition), provides guidance for how to use contraceptive methods safely and effectively once they are deemed to be medically appropriate. The recommendations contained in this document are the product of a process that culminated in an expert Working Group meeting held at the World Health Organization, Geneva, 13-16 April 2004.

Working with young people can present many challenges. Sexual health and contraceptive issues with teenagers often raise legal, ethical and sometimes child protection concerns. This comprehensive and practical guide is packed with useful advice on contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted infections, adolescent, legal and ethical issues. It is presented in an easy to read format that can be dipped into when required and highlights how a young persons' clinic can be set up and how existing services can be made more approachable. This book will serve as a useful, quick reference and all those working with young people will find it valuable reading.

Reproductive medicine is a growing field with new technology emerging faster than we can assess consumer’s perceptions of –the number of cancer survivors are growing and there is a great need to attend to their quality of life-this book addresses the needs of males and females, identifies effective communication strategies and proactive measures for health care professionals and researchers to use as well as identifying gaps in the literature where more research is needed.