Menstruation is the outward sign of sexual maturity. Even the very first menstrual period is preceded by maturation of an egg. The girl is physically capable of becoming pregnant.

It is therefore essential to use effective contraceptive protection before it is too late.

However, puberty is not only a time of physical maturation. If adolescents want to sleep with each other they must also be able to take responsibility.

It is a sign of affection and mutual respect if the girl and boy talk about contraception before they have sex. A suitable method of contraception must be used so that making love is safe for both partners.

Contraception during puberty

The best approach is the method known as 'Double Dutch'. This works as follows:

A condom should always be used to prevent contracting a sexually transmitted disease. However, condoms are only moderately effective as a contraceptive. Also, proper use of a condom requires some practice, so there may be accidents at the beginning. It is therefore a good idea to use a second method of contraception in addition to the condom, e.g. the pill.

Because of its low failure rate and uncomplicated use, the pill or combined oral contraceptive (containing an estrogen and a progestin) is one of the most commonly used contraceptive methods.

From the purely medical point of view an adolescent girl can be prescribed the pill once she has had her first period and a regular menstrual cycle has become established.

The minipill (a preparation containing only a progestin) is also well tolerated by adolescents. However, many girls do not like the fact that there is often irregular bleeding on the minipill. Also, the minipill is slightly less effective than the pill.

If a young girl wants to use the pill or the minipill she must be disciplined enough to take the pill regularly. This is particularly important with the minipill as the usual time at which the pill is taken must not be exceeded by more than 3 hours.

There are a number of other effective hormonal contraceptives such as injections, implants or the intrauterine system. These are less suitable for adolescents as they more often lead to bleeding abnormalities and menstruation often stops completely when they are used for a prolonged period of time.

Girls can also use non-hormonal methods of contraception during puberty. But there are some exceptions. Natural family planning methods and the contraceptive computer can only be recommended for women with a stable menstrual cycle. A method used particularly often by young girls is the diaphragm or the cervical cap, also in combination with spermicides.

There are various criteria for choosing the most suitable method of contraception. Age is only one of many important factors. If you can talk openly to your mother about these things it is a good idea to ask her advice. Your gynecologist is also a person you can ask. But it is important to remember that the final decision about which method to use is also yours.

Please note:
Minipill ≠ Micropill

The micropill is a low-dose combined oral contraceptive. It contains an estrogen and a progestin.
The minipill contains only a progestin.

The Diaphragm

The Cervical Cap