Extended cycling of oral contraceptive pills for adolescents

Challenges of diagnosing and managing the adolescent with heavy menstrual bleeding

Unpredictable, prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) may be expected for many adolescents soon after menarche. A decade of clinical experience and research has now established firmly that bleeding disorders (BD) are common in adolescents with HMB. Despite these advances, many questions remain, and several aspects of the diagnosis and management of BDs in adolescents are not supported by rigorous clinical trials. In this overview, four major areas will be discussed. First, we will discuss the frequency of BDs in young women with HMB. Up to 20% of older females with HMB are thought to have an underlying BD. Estimates from retrospective studies in adolescents suggest a prevalence that varies anywhere from 10 to 62%. Prospective studies with uniform hemostatic evaluation are needed to answer this question definitively. Second, we will review existing tools that help screen and diagnose adolescents with HMB with an underlying BD. Although identification of an underlying BD in older women with HMB is relatively straight forward, uncertainties remain for adolescents. Heavy menstrual bleeding in this age group may have different pathophysiological underpinnings than those in older women and may often be disregarded as anovulatory. There is an urgent need to develop novel tools, and evaluate existing diagnostic strategies in adolescents. Third, we will discuss the optimal medical management of HMB in young adolescents. As direct evidence is largely lacking, these areas are also subject to extrapolation from older women. Lastly, an important area- prediction, and management of future bleeding in those adolescents who are diagnosed with a mild BD-will be discussed. Throughout, areas of controversy and opportunities for further research are highlighted.

Contraception for adolescents

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. Over the past 10 years, a number of new contraceptive methods have become available to adolescents, newer guidance has been issued on existing contraceptive methods, and the evidence base for contraception for special populations (adolescents who have disabilities, are obese, are recipients of solid organ transplants, or are HIV infected) has expanded. The Academy has addressed contraception since 1980, and this policy statement updates the 2007 statement on contraception and adolescents. It provides the pediatrician with a description and rationale for best practices in counseling and prescribing contraception for adolescents. It is supported by an accompanying technical report.

Contraception for adolescents

A working knowledge of contraception will assist the pediatrician in both sexual health promotion as well as treatment of common adolescent gynecologic problems. Best practices in adolescent anticipatory guidance and screening include a sexual health history, screening for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, counseling, and if indicated, providing access to contraceptives. Pediatricians' long-term relationships with adolescents and families allow them to help promote healthy sexual decision-making, including abstinence and contraceptive use. Additionally, medical indications for contraception, such as acne, dysmenorrhea, and heavy menstrual bleeding, are frequently uncovered during adolescent visits. This technical report provides an evidence base for the accompanying policy statement and addresses key aspects of adolescent contraceptive use, including the following: (1) sexual history taking, confidentiality, and counseling; (2) adolescent data on the use and side effects of newer contraceptive methods; (3) new data on older contraceptive methods; and (4) evidence supporting the use of contraceptives in adolescent patients with complex medical conditions.

Contraceptive care for the adolescent

Despite recent improvements in rates of teen pregnancy, abortion, birth,and contraceptive use, effective contraceptive counseling for adolescents should be a high priority for the primary care provider in the office setting. Adolescent psychosocial risk screening and appropriate counseling about sexual decision-making is necessary. Contraceptive services visits include, relevant history, limited physical examination, provision of information, anticipatory guidance about sexual behaviors, and the provision of contraceptive methods. Teens should always be encouraged to use a male condom during sex to reduce STI risk. A variety of barrier and hormonal contraceptive methods are available for the adolescent population. Education about and provision of EC is effective in reducing the rate of unintended pregnancy and abortion in the United States. Contraceptive care for adolescents is a rewarding experience for primary care providers.

Gynecologic issues of the adolescent female solid organ transplant recipient

Advances in the field of transplant medicine are providing adolescent recipients with continual improvements in health and quality of life. With expanding opportunities for normal social and sexual relationships, adolescents require careful attention to their gynecologic and reproductive health (Box 1). Medical considerations vary depending on the type of organ transplanted, underlying and comorbid conditions, and current medication use. Most adolescent girls achieve menarche, however, and irregular cycles should be evaluated and managed with the same considerations applied to healthy young women. The management of menstrual disorders frequently uses hormonal contraceptive methods. Many transplant recipients also are sexually active and require a contraceptive method to prevent a mistimed pregnancy. With careful attention to organ function, other medical problems, and concurrently prescribed medications, many transplant recipients can use safely the currently available methods of hormonal contraception.