Incorporating the adolescent in individualized and effective contraceptive counseling

Contraceptive counseling can be a complex and sensitive topic for adolescents and young adults. Clinicians have modified their contraceptive counseling approaches over time as contraceptive technology and safety testing have broadened method choices. Some practitioners counsel about all options, whereas others primarily discuss methods of highest efficacy. However, many practitioners for young adults acknowledge that without patient involvement in the discussion, prescribing a method does not mean the method will be continued once the patient leaves the office. A scripted conversation for contraceptive counseling does not exist and would be contradictory to an individualized approach, yet a general guide to personalized counseling is helpful for many practitioners who treat adolescents. This article will review evidence-based components, including motivational interviewing, as a framework for providing contraceptive counseling for female adolescents and young adults.