Abstract

All sexually active youth, whether obese or normal weight, should be offered counseling regarding contraception and appropriate contraceptive methods. However, obese youth who are sexually active may be less likely than their normal weight peers to use contraceptives correctly. Methods of contraception for obese adolescents are reviewed in this discussion. Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and the contraceptive patch have higher failure rates in obese versus normal weight females, though failure rates are lower than noted with barrier contraceptives. The risk for venous thrombosis is higher in obese youth on COCs. Progestin-only pills and the levonorgestrel intrauterine system appear to be safe and effective methods in obese females. Depotmedroxyprogesterone acetate, intravaginal ring, and implants are also considered.

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2009

Notes/Citation Information

Published in Child Health and Human Development Yearbook - 2008. Joav Merrick, (Ed.), p. 507-518.

© 2009 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

The copyright holder has granted permission for posting the chapter here.

Reprinted as an article in International Journal of Child Health and Human Development, v. 1, issue 4, p. 411-419.

Reprinted as a book chapter in Obesity and Adolescence: A Public Health Concern. Hatim A. Omar, Donald E. Greydanus, Dilip R. Patel, & Joav Merrick, (Eds.). p. 73-84.

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