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.
In this issue:
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