10 - Adolescence:contraception in the teenage years

Summary

This chapter focuses on the adolescence years, a time of change for young people when they are entering sexual relationships, dealing with peer pressure and the possible tensions from school and home. It was suggested in the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy that one way of reducing teenage conceptions was the provision of good sex and relationship education within schools and colleges. Without advice and treatment, the young person's physical or mental health or both would suffer. The reaction to the unplanned pregnancy depends on the support or not of the partner, parents and friends and it can be a time of conflict for the young person. When a young person has an abortion, it might be the first real opportunity for her to discuss contraception and it is an opportunity to explore her views about methods with a health professional.