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Contraception, or birth control, refers to methods used to prevent pregnancy by interfering with the process of ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. Some methods can also help reduce the risk of transmitting certain STDs.
Adolescents today face unique challenges when it comes to their reproductive health. The need for effective contraception during this phase of life is critical—not just to prevent unintended pregnancies, but also to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Both outcomes can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and socio-economic impacts on young individuals.
During adolescence, many are still exploring their identities, building self-awareness, and learning to make independent decisions. An unplanned pregnancy or contracting an STD during this formative stage can disrupt education, cause emotional distress, and limit future opportunities. In some cases, it may also lead to long-term health complications such as infertility.
Therefore, access to accurate information and reliable contraceptive methods is essential for adolescents. It empowers them to make informed choices, protects their reproductive health, and supports their overall well-being. Gynecological services play a vital role in guiding adolescents through this process with age-appropriate counseling, education, and access to safe and suitable birth control options.
Abstaining from sexual activity is the most effective method to prevent both pregnancy and STDs. It involves refraining from any form of sexual intercourse.
Barrier methods physically block sperm from reaching the egg and offer protection against STDs.
These methods use hormones to prevent ovulation and are typically used by females:
• Oral Contraceptive Pills: Taken daily, they contain either progestin alone or a combination of estrogen and progestin.
• Birth Control Patch: A skin patch that releases hormones into the bloodstream, replaced weekly for three weeks.
• Vaginal Ring: A soft ring inserted into the vagina, left in place for three weeks, followed by a ring-free week.
• Contraceptive Injections: Hormonal shots given every three months by a healthcare provider.
These methods use hormones to prevent ovulation and are typically used by females:
• Oral Contraceptive Pills: Taken daily, they contain either progestin alone or a combination of estrogen and progestin.
• Birth Control Patch: A skin patch that releases hormones into the bloodstream, replaced weekly for three weeks.
• Vaginal Ring: A soft ring inserted into the vagina, left in place for three weeks, followed by a ring-free week.
• Contraceptive Injections: Hormonal shots given every three months by a healthcare provider.
Emergency contraception, often referred to as the "morning-after pill," can be taken within 4–5 days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. These pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident but do not protect against STDs.
Despite the availability of various methods, adolescents may face several challenges in accessing contraception, such as:
• Lack of planning or unexpected sexual activity
• Fear of medical procedures or side effects
• Concerns about confidentiality or judgment from healthcare providers
• Parental or partner opposition
• Limited knowledge about available options
• Financial constraints and transportation issues
Gynecologists are essential in supporting adolescents through education and access to contraception. Their roles include:
• Providing age-appropriate counseling on sexual health and safe practices
• Educating teens and their families about different contraceptive options
• Offering information about the effectiveness, benefits, risks, and potential side effects of each method
• Assisting in the selection of suitable contraception based on individual needs and health conditions
• Prescribing and administering short-acting hormonal methods and long-acting reversible contraceptives
• Encouraging open communication about sexual health and helping break stigma around contraception use
