Update on adolescent contraception

This article reviews the most common types of contraceptive agents used by adolescents, including their epidemiology of use and future developments. O ral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are reviewed, with emphasis on the less andr ogenic progestins, risk of venous thrombosis, factor V Leiden mutation and OCP use, and the 20-mu g estrogen formulations. Depomedroxyprogesterone ace tate (DMPA) use is reviewed, examining the role of changes in bone-mineral density. Decreasing Norplant (Wyeth-Ayerst, Philadelphia, PA) use is review ed, as is its efficacy and side-effect profile. Various methods of emergenc y postcoital contraception are reviewed, with emphasis on efficacy and meth od of action.