New policy statement on barrier protection for adolescents: AAP
USA: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a new policy statement on barrier protection use by adolescents during sexual activity. This policy statement, published in the AAP journal Pediatrics is an update to the 2013 AAP statement on condom use.
There is a continuous decline in rates of births, pregnancies, and rates of sexual activity among adolescents during the past decade to historic lows. Despite this, many teenagers are at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. The consistent and correct use of synthetic and latex barrier methods may reduce the risk of many STIs including HIV, and unintended pregnancy. This updated statement is intended to assist pediatricians in supporting and understanding the use of barrier methods by the patients in order to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies and address obstacles to their use.
Key recommendations include:
- Discuss abstaining from sexual intercourse as the most effective way to prevent genital STIs, as well as HIV infection, and unintended pregnancy.
- Support and encourage the consistent and correct use of barrier methods as well as other reliable contraception as part of anticipatory guidance during visits with adolescents who are sexually active or contemplating sexual activity, including emphasis on the responsibility of all genders in preventing unintended pregnancies and STIs.
The detailed policy statement, "Barrier Protection Use by Adolescents During Sexual Activity," is published in the AAP journal Pediatrics.
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