Contraception for first time users: a problem-orientated guide to product selection and safe prescription

Abstract

The general practitioner (GP) is in a unique position in South Africa and elsewhere in the world when it comes to female and adolescent health. After establishing rapport, the GP can provide confidential advice, guidance and treatment with regard to a young patient’s reproductive health. It is vital that the adolescent makes an informed choice about her sexual activity and behaviour, her method of contraception and issues pertaining to her health in general. These discussions and counselling sessions should be informative but non-judgmental and non-threatening, as the main outcome is to prevent teenage pregnancy and its associated devastating repercussions on the adolescent, her family, the child born to such a young mother, and the public health sector. Contraceptive choices today are numerous – especially in the category of hormonal contraception. New options with regard to delivery systems and new progestogens with novel side-effect profiles have expanded the choices for first-time users.