The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has changed its teen contraceptive recommendations to include Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC), an intrauterine device or a subdermal implant, as a first choice.
Over the past decade research has shown LARCs, which provide three to 10 years of contraception, are safe for adolescents, the AAP reported.
"Contraception is a pillar in reducing adolescent pregnancy rates. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pediatricians develop a working knowledge of contraception to help adolescents reduce risks of and negative health consequences related to unintended pregnancy," the AAP said in its statement abstract.
Condoms are the most popular form of contraception among teens, but are one of the least effective methods of preventing pregnancy, the Associated Press reported. These long-acting methods are close to 100 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
IUDs and hormonal implants cost a few hundred dollars upon insertion but could actually save money in the long run when compared to the cost of condoms or monthly prescription birth control pills.
IUDs are small T-shaped devices containing hormones or copper that are inserted into the womb; hormone-containing birth control implants are small rods placed under the skin of the upper arm.
The policy statement recommends all teens use condoms alongside the long-term birth control methods in order to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
For the first time the recommendations also put a focus on adolescents with special medical needs such as those with "physical or developmental disabilities, medically complex illness, and obesity," the AAP reported. This is necessary because birth control patches may be less effective in girls who weigh more than 198 pounds, the Associated Press reported.
Healthcare providers are urged to encourage teens to stay celibate "until they're ready" in order to prevent pregnancy by 100 percent, but teens don't always listen to this advice.
"All methods of hormonal birth control are safer than pregnancy," Dr. Mary Ott, an adolescent medicine specialist and associate pediatrics professor at Indiana University, told the Associated Press.
