Combined hormonal contraception

Abstract

Combination hormonal contraceptives, i.e., oral contraceptive pills, the contraceptive vaginal ring, and the contraceptive patch, are used by approximately 70 % of sexually active teenagers. These methods have unique advantages and disadvantages when used by this population. Advantages include safety, easy initiation with no need for a pelvic examination, and many non-contraceptive health benefits including cycle control, reduced dysmenorrhea, and reduced acne. However, they all require strict user adherence and periodic refills and can be easily stopped; thus they are associated with high discontinuation rates.