Abstract
Proper health care for the adolescent includes making effective contraception available. Information should be provided when a girl begins to menstruate, regardless of whether she is sexually active. The physician should evaluate the adolescent patient's stage of physical pubertal development in order to predict her reproductive capabilities. Her stage of psychosocial development is also important for determining the best contraceptive method for her to use. A routine for the 1st office visit is described, including the issues of confidentiality and the role of the parent, as well as the procedures for taking a history and the necessary components of the physical examination. Teenagers who wish to become pregnant should be advised of the risks. Contraceptive methods are compared. Many adolescents automatically equate contraception with the pill, which is safe and effective for this group. The IUD is a good choice for the girl who thinks preplanned sex is unromantic. The barrier methods are also useful and offer some protection against venereal disease. 2 charts are provided, 1 listing office procedures, the other showing the psychosocial stages of development in adolescence.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 52-55 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | The Female patient |
| Volume | 3 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| State | Published - Dec 1978 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Medicine(all)