Young women and men worldwide are especially vulnerable to reproductive health problems, including early or unplanned pregnancy and infection by sexually transmitted diseases. Articles on sex education, gender issues and understanding the psychological pressures youth face are included, as well as a chart on contraceptive methods for adolescents.
In this issue
Introduction: Adolescent Reproductive Health
- Worldwide, young women and men suffer a disproportionate share of unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, and other serious reproductive health problems.
Contraceptive Methods for Young Adults
- While no biomedical reasons exist to deny any contraceptive method based on young age alone, other factors may be important to consider. Good counseling helps sexually active young adults choose the most appropriate method.
Gender Norms Affect Adolescents
- Incorporating gender perspectives into education, services and training can lead to better reproductive health for young adults.
Education Protects Health, Delays Sex
- Effective sexual health education helps youth to clarify their values, avoid risky behaviors and improve negotiation skills.
Key Factors Help Programs Succeed
- Involving young adults during planning and offering better access to services are among ways to improve youth programs.
Pressures Influence Contraceptive Use
- Understanding the psychological and social pressures young adults face helps reproductive health programs to be more effective.
"They Were Concerned about My Future"
- The Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation, in Kingston, Jamaica, serves young women, including a program for adolescent mothers. A participant recalls her experiences with the foundation many years ago, when she was 15 years old, unmarried and pregnant.
Media Contribute to Better Health
- Used effectively, media can inform young adults about important reproductive health concerns, as well as where to obtain services.
Contraceptive Update: FHI Study Examines N-9 Film Effect on STDs
- A two-year FHI study concludes that vaginal spermicial film is safe to use but does not confer any additional protection to women from HIV, gonorrhea or chlamydia infections beyond the protection provided by condoms. A question and answer column and summary of selective previous N-9 research are included.
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