Contraception in early adolescence

According to WHO research among the 1.9 billion Women of Reproductive Age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019, 1.1 billion have a need for family planning of these, 842 million are using contraceptive methods, and 270 million have an unmet need for contraception [1,2]

The proportion of the need for family planning satisfied by modern methods, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicator 3.7.1, has stagnated globally at around 77% from 2015 to 2020 but increased from 55% to 58% in the Africa region [3]

Only one contraceptive method, condoms, can prevent both a pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.Use of contraception advances the human right of people to determine the number and spacing of their children.

Young people are having sex. Advice about sexual health and contraception should be considered for all adolescents, including those aged as young as 12 or 13 years. Condoms plus one other method of contraception is recommended in this age group, to protect against sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. How these contraceptive should be distributed is through;

Identifying young adolescents who are sexually active;  Many young people are having sex. New  research found that approximately one-third of females reported sexual intercourse before the age of 16 years.These statistics emphasis the importance of considering sexual health and contraception for all adolescents, including those aged as young as 12 or 13 years. It can sometimes be difficult for clinicians to broach this subject and to be able to judge when a conversation about sex is appropriate when dealing with a young patient. In some cases, the patient will present asking for advice on contraception or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but in the majority of cases, opportunistic intervention will be necessary.When considering which young adolescents to target for contraceptive intervention, the following predictors for early sexual activity may be helpful such as use of alcohol among other.

Establish a rapport and encourage discussion;When providing advice about sexual health it is important to establish a rapport and allow sufficient time and support for the young person to make informed choices. Encourage discussion about the emotional and physical implications of sexual activities including the risk of pregnancy.Whether the relationship is mutually agreed or whether there must be rapport.Reinforce the confidentiality of the consultation but encourage the young person to discuss their sexual health with a parent, carer or trusted adult.

Assessing competency in young people;The Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act allows people aged under 16 years to consent to their own medical treatment and to be given contraceptive information, services and prescriptions. In practice, contraceptive advice and treatment is given to young adolescents when it is judged to be in their best medical interests and they are able to give informed consent. The Fraser Guidelines can assist clinicians in making this decision.

When considering discussing contraception with a young person, the clinician,parent or the guardian should be satisfied that:

The young person understands the advice being given.

The young person cannot be persuaded to involve parents/carers or allow the medical practitioner to do so on their behalf.

The young person is likely to begin, or continue having, sexual intercourse with or without contraception unless the young person receives contraception, their physical or mental health (or both) is likely to suffer.

The young person’s best interests require contraceptive advice, treatment or supplies to be given with or without parental consent

Appropriate contraception for young adolescents.

Therefore it is the collective responsibilities of patents,guardian and clinicians  to always advise,encourage and talk about sex with these adolescence age ground because most of them engage in sex because if peer present from their mates.

By; Josephine Kasuni Mwangecho


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