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  • Title: Teens choose better birth control methods. But condom use is not improved.
    Journal: Contracept Technol Update; 1995 Feb; 16(2):25-7. PubMed ID: 12290716.
    Abstract:
    A September 1991-July 1992 study in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sought to determine the factors involved in the choice of the contraceptive implant Norplant or oral contraceptives (OCs) in 98 postpartum teenagers. The reasons cited for the choice of Norplant were as follows: previous difficulty in remembering to take OCs (71%), side effects of OCs (38%), fear of pregnancy (57%), ease of use (48%), and encouragement by others (34%). The OC was chosen out of fear of insertion and/or needles (55%), concern about irregular bleeding (24%), concern about other side effects (15%), and fear that the rods would be visible (9%). In addition to unsuccessful OC experiences, the Norplant teens had a higher number of pregnancies and births and were slightly older than the OC group. No other differences were found between the groups. The investigators were "shocked" at the high percentage who chose Norplant. The teens tolerated the side effects as well as adults, and a year after the study ended, 95% were still using Norplant as compared to 33% continuing use of OCs. Medical follow-up and condom use were similar in each group, but only 17% of the Norplant group and 29% of the OC group used condoms consistently. Researchers speculate that condom use (which protects against STDS) may be limited when another type of contraceptive is used against pregnancy. Another theory is that condom use is influenced by the nature of one's relationship with her sexual partner.
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