Contraceptive Methods for Adolescents and School-Aged Children: A Comprehensive Systematic Review Comparing the Efficacy of Combined Oral Contraceptives and Condoms

Abstract

Background: Adolescents and young individuals, representing a quarter of the global population, encounter significant barriers to accessing effective contraception. However, hormonal methods such as combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are less commonly used among adolescents. Methods: In alignment with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this systematic review analyzed full-text English-language studies published between 2014 and 2024. Result: The review examined over 6,000 publications from reputable sources including ScienceDirect, SagePub, and PubMed. Eight studies were selected for in-depth analysis, leading to a more detailed review of the relevant literature. Conclusion: Enhancing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education for teenagers significantly improves their understanding and use of contraceptives, thereby reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). While school-based initiatives are beneficial, community-based strategies prove more effective. The review recommends the use of LARCs and combined oral contraceptive pills for adolescents, as they markedly lower the risk of ectopic pregnancies. Access to diverse contraceptive options is essential for effective STI prevention.