Many adolescents engage in sexual activity but may not be fully informed about contraception, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Sexually transmitted (venereal) diseases are infections that are typically, but not exclusively, passed from person to person through sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections may be caused... read more 
, including hepatitis C Hepatitis C, Acute Acute hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis C virus and that lasts from a few weeks up to 6 months. Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood or other... read more and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a viral infection that progressively destroys certain white blood cells and can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is transmitted... read more 
. Impulsivity, lack of planning, and concurrent drug and alcohol use decrease the likelihood that adolescents will use birth control and barrier protection (such as condoms).
(See also Introduction to Problems in Adolescents Introduction to Problems in Adolescents For most children, adolescence is a period of good physical health. The most common problems during adolescence relate to Growth and development School Childhood illnesses that continue into... read more .)
Contraception in adolescents
Any of the adult contraceptive methods Overview of Contraception Contraception is prevention of fertilization of an egg by a sperm (conception) or prevention of attachment of the fertilized egg to the lining of the uterus (implantation). Contraception (birth... read more may be used by adolescents, but the most common problem is adherence. For example, some adolescent girls forget to take daily oral contraceptives or stop using them entirely and may not substitute another form of birth control. Although male condoms are the most frequently used form of contraception, there are still perceptions that may inhibit consistent use (for example, that condom use decreases pleasure and interferes with “romantic love”). Some girls also are shy about asking male partners to use condoms during sex. Longer-term forms of contraception, such as getting injections every 3 months, have recently become more popular with adolescent girls.
Adolescent pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a source of significant emotional stress for adolescents.
Pregnant adolescents and their partners tend to drop out of school or job training, thus worsening their economic status, lowering their self-esteem, and straining personal relationships. Pregnant adolescents (who account for 13% of all pregnancies in the United States) are less likely than adults to get prenatal care, resulting in poorer pregnancy outcomes, such as higher rates of premature birth Premature Newborn A premature newborn is a baby delivered before 37 weeks of gestation. Depending on when they are born, premature newborns have underdeveloped organs, which may not be ready to function outside... read more . Pregnant adolescents, particularly the very young and those who are not receiving prenatal care, are more likely than women in their 20s to have medical problems such as anemia Anemia During Pregnancy Anemia occurs in up to one third of women during the 3rd trimester. The most common causes of anemia are Iron deficiency Folate deficiency (See also Anemia.) If women have a hereditary anemia... read more (when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells) and preeclampsia Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Preeclampsia is new high blood pressure or worsening of existing high blood pressure that is accompanied by excess protein in the urine and that develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. Eclampsia... read more (high blood pressure and protein in the urine that can stress the fetus).
Infants of young mothers (especially mothers younger than 15 years) are more likely to be born prematurely and to have a low birth weight. However, with proper prenatal care, older adolescents have no higher risk of pregnancy problems than adults from similar backgrounds.
The adolescent may decide to terminate the pregnancy. Having an abortion Abortion Induced abortion is the intentional ending of a pregnancy by surgery or drugs. A pregnancy may be ended by surgically removing the contents of the uterus or by taking certain drugs. Complications... read more does not remove the psychologic problems of an unwanted pregnancy—either for the adolescent girl or her partner. Emotional crises may occur
When pregnancy is diagnosed
When the decision to have an abortion is made
Immediately after the abortion is done
When the baby would have been born
When the anniversaries of that date occur
A pregnant adolescent may choose to give up a child voluntarily (adoption Adoption Adoption is the legal process of adding a person to an existing family. All adoptions must be validated by a court of law. Adoption, unlike foster care, is meant to be permanent. The goal of... read more ) or raise the child herself or together with the child's father, often with support of family members.
All of the options cause emotional stress. Family counseling and education about contraceptive methods, for both the girl and her partner, can be very helpful.
Parents may have different reactions when their daughter says she is pregnant or their son says he has impregnated someone. Emotions may range from excitement to apathy, disappointment, or anger. It is important for parents to express their support and willingness to help the adolescent sort through his or her choices. Parents and adolescents need to communicate openly about abortion, adoption, and parenthood—all tough options for the adolescent to struggle with alone.
