Healthcare professionals should ensure that young people have access, without delay, to confidential, dedicated young people's contraceptive services that meet quality criteria, including offering a full range of contraceptive options such as LARC, and providing culturally appropriate, non-judgmental advice NICE.
When prescribing LARC to adolescent patients, healthcare professionals should take a relevant medical history, including menstrual, sexual, and family history, to assess medical eligibility, and exclude pregnancy before initiation NICE CG30, NICE CKS.
In girls under 18, DMPA (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) should only be considered if other methods are unsuitable or unacceptable, with review of risks and benefits at least every 2 years NICE CG30, NICE CKS.
Informed consent should be obtained and documented, considering the young person's competence and understanding, in line with legal guidelines NICE CG30, NICE, NICE CKS.
Healthcare professionals should be familiar with UK Medical Eligibility Criteria (UKMEC) categories to ensure safe prescribing, especially noting contraindications such as significant risk factors for osteoporosis or renal issues NICE CG30, NICE CKS.