Reproductive and contraceptive issues in chronically ill adolescents

Abstract

Objectives To address reproductive and contraceptive issues in adolescent girls with chronic medical conditions in order to assist health-care providers when they counsel teenagers about contraceptive methods.

Methods The review is based on a literature search in Medline (1973–2010) about specific contraceptive use by adolescents with obesity, endocrine, cardiovascular, haematologic, oncologic, neurological, psychiatric, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, autoimmune, renal, pulmonary conditions and disabilities. The latest recommendations from the World Health Organisation for adolescents are also added. Contraceptive methods studied were combined hormonal contraceptives, progestogen-only contraceptives, and intrauterine contraceptives.

Results Adolescents are eligible to use any method of contraception. Contraceptive choices of chronically ill adolescents have changed over time. Given new developments in the field of adolescent sexual and reproductive health care, safe and effective forms of contraception are available for almost every adolescent with a chronic condition. When selecting a method, the nature of the medical illness and the expressed desires of the teenager must be taken into account.

Conclusions Adolescents, including those with chronic conditions, are sexual beings; they are entitled to sexual and reproductive health care. Decisions on appropriate contraception must be based upon informed choice, after adequate sexual health education.

key words:

• Chronically ill
• adolescents
• contraception
• reproduction

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.