Pediatric Group Recommends IUDs over Birth Control Pill for Teens
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JackF/iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Doctors from the American Academy of Pediatrics say that long-acting reversible contraceptive methods should be used for teenagers before the birth control pill.
LARC methods, such as intra-uterine devices and subdermal implants, have been found to be safe for use in teenagers, according to the academy, and may actually be more effective at preventing pregnancy than the pill. This, experts say, is because many teens fail to take the pill regularly.
Additionally, experts say, doctors shouldn’t rely solely on abstinence counseling, instead recommending that comprehensive sexual health information be provided to all adolescents.
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