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While teens have steadily increased their use of condoms and contraception over the past 20 years, a significant number still do not use contraceptive methods effectively or consistently. Between 85 and 95 percent of sexually active adolescent women who use no method become pregnant within one year of initiating intercourse. Becoming a parent as a teen can negatively impact young people's ability to achieve educational and personal goals; and in developing countries, complications from pregnancy including childbirth and unsafe abortion, are the leading cause of death for young women ages 15-19.
Teens in the United States and around the world need information about contraception well before they become sexually active. They need to understand how various methods of birth control work, the benefits and challenges of using particular methods, and where to get them. They need support and encouragement from their peers, adults, and the media to increase their comfort levels with condoms and birth control. Importantly, they need full access to confidential, safe, and convenient family planning services. Parents, educators, health care providers, and pharmacy staff can play a critical role in helping teens learn about, obtain, and use contraception effectively.
If you are conducting research on adolescents and contraception, check out Advocates’ Contraception Access, Efficacy, and Use Research Guide for the most recent news, scholarly research, and publications from a variety of sources.
General Facts
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