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©2013 UpToDate ® Print Email Tips for increasing contraceptive adherence among adolescent females* Contraceptive method Potential barriers to adherence Strategies to increase adherence Oral contraceptive pills Failure to refill prescription Forgetting to take pill Using pills sporadically Not using a back-up method when necessary Tell (and ask the adolescent to repeat back) three things: - When to start the pill - Take the pill every day at the same time (eg, when brushing teeth) - Call the clinic/office if there are any questions Desire to avoid monthly periods Extended-cycle or continuous pill use Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate Failure to make/keep appointment for next shot Schedule the appointment for the next shot when the adolescent is in the clinic/office and ask her to set the alarm on her cell phone as a reminder Transdermal patch Requires weekly change Use a wall, computer, or cell phone calendar Use a cell phone alarm Place a sticker designating the change day on the bathroom mirror Vaginal ring Requires change every three weeks Use a wall, computer, or cell phone calendar Use a cell phone alarm Place a sticker designating the change day on the bathroom mirror Condoms Must be available at time of sexual activity Provide condoms to the adolescent before she leaves the clinic/office Suggest that the adolescent carry condoms in her purse * Provide the adolescent with a list of the following information: the clinic/office name, a contact person, the clinic/office phone number, and instructions about what to do if they miss a dose.