CAMAGÜEY.- “Currently there are many cases that we see of pregnant adolescents between 12 and 19 years old. Once this happens, no path we take will be correct, they will all be paved and full of risks ”, commented to Adelante Digital Daymi Saavedra Moredo, 2nd. Degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology, master's degree in Comprehensive Care for Women and assistant professor who attends the infant and adolescent provincial consultation.

Although it sounds strong, it is real, for a pregnancy in adolescence the two possible paths are complicated. In the case of carrying out motherhood, from the beginning to the moment of delivery can be very risky for the young mother. On the contrary, if one opts for voluntary interruption, it would be just as complicated by the characteristics of this procedure.

–Why shouldn't abortion be used as a contraceptive method?

—It is very common to see abortion used as a contraceptive method without taking into account all the risks that can be run during this procedure and the damage it can cause to the future sexual and reproductive lives of women, especially adolescents who are only in the beginning.

—How to educate yourself for a responsible sexuality?

—At this stage of adolescence, we think that nothing is going to happen to us and we must be alert because when we are not able to protect ourselves adequately when initiating sexual life we ​​can reach an unwanted pregnancy. Adolescents have to be informed first of all from their families, and also from schools, through Biology classes, or by attending family planning consultations in each of the polyclinics.

“No adolescent should be left with a thirst for knowledge. In any of these places and even in the family's medical offices, there will always be a qualified staff who will be able to guide the young woman and her parents to avoid pregnancy and that their normal and social development is not affected ”.

- What contraceptive methods does the country have at the moment?

—In addition to the condom, which we recommend not only for unwanted pregnancies, but also for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, but which in recent times has been in short supply in pharmacies, at the moment the country has several types of contraceptives. While it is true that there is no ideal one, the most recommended are the hormonal ones. In that case we have the contraceptive tablet that combines estrogen and progestin such as Etinor and Trienor and the non-combined ones such as Aminor. These not only prevent pregnancy very effectively, they also regulate menstrual disorders and reduce pain.

“Implants are another form of hormonal protection. They last five years and are composed of 150 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate.

“Another method used is the injectable, either monthly or quarterly. This, highly effective in preventing pregnancy, has the side effect of causing menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea. Currently the available vaccine is medroxyprogesterone acetate.

“Multiloads are the currently used intrauterine devices (IUD). To be placed, they must have precise indications and meet a series of requirements since they can produce collateral damage in the long term. The adolescent should be examined gynecologically before inserting the IUD to rule out any process of vaginal, tubal or ovarian infection and to know the size and position of the uterus. Its implantation is carried out during the menstrual period and it should be reviewed periodically because at an early age it is very common for uterine contracture to try to expel it ”.

–Are there other methods?

—There are others that the country does not have at the moment such as creams, vaginal rings and the diaphragm, which, being a barrier contraceptive method, is not widely used in adolescents because it is very uncomfortable to use and must be placed before sexual contact.

"Others not related to medicine are interrupted intercourse, which consists of ejaculation outside the vagina, and the biological rhythm method that can only be used by those who have regular cycles."

–Any emergency method?

—The third day pill is used as an emergency contraceptive method, which is used in the first 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. This method should not become a habit as it can fail and should not be used in the long term.

–What is double contraception?

—It consists of combining any other method with the use of a condom. This is ideal in adolescence because, in addition to protecting from an unwanted pregnancy , avoid sexually transmitted diseases that are very common.

- How important is the use of contraceptive methods at this stage?

—It is of great importance, fundamentally for adolescent girls with an active sexual life, since the female genital organs still do not have adequate development and neither have the necessary psychico-social maturity been gained.

—What is the most recommended method in adolescence?

—The early initiation of sexual intercourse has constituted a major health problem worldwide, so the best contraceptive method at an early age is sexual abstinence.

Each stage of life is designed to be enjoyed according to age and without anticipating any moment. Before starting a sexual life, adolescent girls must be sure that their body is psychologically and physically prepared, as they are exposed to various risks and complications that make them travel on cobbled roads.

Translated by Linet Acuña Quilez