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Non-medical issues:
- High-risk behavior
- Lack of accurate information
- May not use methods consistently and correctly
- Have unplanned and sporadic sexual activity
- Lack of knowledge or access to emergency contraception
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There is no medical reason for denying a young person any contraceptive
method based on age alone. However, nonmedical issues are important
when considering young adults' use of methods to prevent pregnancy
or the transmission of STIs. For example, sterilization is not
appropriate for youth because they may regret the decision later.
Many youth engage in high-risk behaviors, such as having multiple
partners or a series of partners. Youth often lack accurate
or complete information about contraceptives and tend to rely
on secondhand knowledge, including myths and misconceptions.
Also, they may not use methods consistently and correctly and
tend to have unplanned and sporadic sexual activity, which is
more likely to be unprotected. Many lack knowledge about and
access to emergency contraception, which must be used shortly
after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Since many
youth are vulnerable to STIs, counseling about contraception
should include STI prevention messages.
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