Noncontraceptive Use of Contraceptive Agents

Educational Gap According to 2006-2008 National Survey of Family Growth data, 33% of adolescents ages 15 to 19 years using combined oral contraceptives do so solely for noncontraceptive reasons, mostly to alleviate problems and symptoms associated with menstrual periods. Consequently, it is necessary for physicians to become more knowledgeable of the known health benefits and noncontraceptive uses of contraceptive agents to enhance their treatment and care for adolescent patients. (1) Objectives After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Identify medical conditions treatable with hormonal contraception. 2. Identify noncontraceptive benefits of contraceptive agents for adolescents. 3. Recognize conditions and diseases for which menstrual regulation or suppression can benefit adolescents, improve disease outcome, and enhance quality of life. 4. List the relative and absolute contraindications to the use of combined hormonal contraceptives. 5. Describe different contraceptive methods available for use.