Contraception for girls and young women

Contraceptive counseling in adolescence is a challenge in gynecological practice. Initially, imparting knowledge about sexuality takes place in the domestic and the school environments. Based on the individual knowledge of general and sexual health, conception, and sexually transmitted infections, the counseling with gynecologists enables the girl or young woman to make an informed choice about the most suitable contraceptive method for her. In this context, the important criteria for the decision-making process are contraceptive effectiveness of the method, the ease of use without the risk of misuse, and a lack of negative effects on health-during actual use and throughout the further life. A critical attitude to hormonal contraceptive methods is strengthened by public discussions and uncritical spreading of information in social media and peer groups. Today, the critical attitude on hormonal contraception is typical for young people. To consider all important aspects in a gynecological counseling process requires a high degree of sensitivity for the individual situation of the adolescents, knowledge of the concrete life situation, empathy in the decision-making processes and guidance, so that a reasonable method accepted by the user is found. The goals of contraception are the longest possible effective use to avoid unwanted pregnancies in the absence of impaired general and sexual health. The individual counseling of girls and young women on contraception in a gynecological practice is the beginning of a lifelong preventive therapeutic relationship based on trust and empathy.