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February 11, 2000

Is It Medically OK to Provide Injectables and Other Hormonal Contraceptives to Adolescents?

Many providers in my country appear reluctant to provide hormonal contraceptives, especially injectables, to young women. Is it medically OK to provide injectables and other hormonal contraceptives to adolescents?

Yes. OCs and combined injectables are WHO category 1 (use method in any circumstances) for adolescents as soon as they begin having periods. Progestin-only methods are also OK although they carry the mild caveat of a category 2 (generally use the method) for younger adolescents, 16 and under.

Importantly, women need to understand that on average it takes about 4 months longer to get pregnant after discontinuing the DMPA injectable than after disconinuing other temporary methods. Also, young women especially should understand that hormonal methods offer no protection against STDs, and they need a means of protection if they are at elevated STD risk.

References:
1. WHO, Improving access to quality care in family planning. Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use. Geneva, 1996.

2. Recommendations for updating selected practices in contraceptive use: Results of a technical meeting, Volume I, 1994.

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The "Pearls" offer answers to commonly asked questions about family planning. These "Pearls" are prepared by Dr. James D. Shelton, Senior Medical Scientist, Office of Population, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

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