New options in contraception for teenagers.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Unintended pregnancy continues to exact a considerable economic, social and personal cost in industrialized nations despite the ready availability of safe, reliable and highly effective methods of contraception. Adolescents still demonstrate some of the highest rates of unintended pregnancy and thus may benefit from considering new contraceptive options that provide unique side effect profiles or delivery systems that could facilitate and improve compliance of contraceptive methods.

RECENT FINDINGS

The recent launch of several new combination oral contraceptive pills with novel side effect profiles has expanded the choices for teenagers who choose to use a daily oral contraceptive. Of potentially greater interest is the recent availability of several nondaily contraceptives, as compliance remains a critical issue with successful contraceptive use in adolescents.

SUMMARY

New contraceptive methods bring unique side effect profiles and delivery systems that may improve overall contraceptive compliance, especially among teenagers who are more prone to misuse from a wide array of side effect and compliance issues. Even the most accepted method, however, will not provide effective contraception if the process by which contraception is provided fails to address the unique concerns and lifestyle issues of each individual adolescent.