Table 3. Ways to Improve Adolescents' Access to Contraception

  • Urge adolescents to use LARC methods such as the IUD, contraceptive implant, or DMPA.

  • Provide COCs, DMPA, and condoms without requiring a complete gynecological exam. Pap smears are not recommended until age 21.

  • Develop clear office policies on confidentiality for adolescent patients, and share these policies with patients, parents, and staff.

  • Provide free condoms to adolescents.

  • Use advance provision of EC for adolescents (with refills).

  • When prescribing OCPs, prescribe at least 3 months' worth of pills, and consider prescribing an entire year's supply.

  • Include troubleshooting with adolescents when discussing contraception choices (eg, “How will you remember to take your pill every day? Can you set a reminder on your cell phone?”)

  • Provide hands-on teaching with condoms and facilitate role-playing to help adolescents improve negotiating skills.

  • COC, combined oral contraceptives; DMPA, contraceptive injection; EC, emergency contraception; IUD, intrauterine device; LARC, long-acting reversible contraceptive; OCP, oral contraceptive pill.