Pediatricians should be active participants in the effort to reduce the negative consequences of adolescent sexual activity. Preventive measures include counseling teenagers and their families on responsible sexual decision-making, including abstinence, and providing contraceptive services for sexually active patients, when requested. In previous statements, the American Academy of Pediatrics has addressed the impact of adolescent pregnancy,1 counseling the pregnant adolescent,2 and management of sexually transmitted diseases.3 This statement provides information on adolescent sexual and contraceptive behavior, and presents guidelines for counseling teenagers on sexual activity and contraceptive methods, including abstinence.
Topics:
contraceptive methods
This content is only available via PDF.
Copyright © 1990 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
1990