Adolescent Nutrition and Contraceptive Method Pros and Cons

Contraceptive Method Analysis

Advantages:

• Fertility returns after stopping use.
• Decreases premenstrual congestion of the breasts and belly, reducing associated pain.
• Does not interfere with intercourse.
• Regulates the menstrual cycle.
• Decreases menstrual bleeding.
• High rate of effectiveness (98%).

Disadvantages:

• Is not accepted by the Catholic Church.
• Some medications interfere with its action.
• Must be taken daily for a period of time.
• They are readily available.
• Side Effects: Weight gain, headache, inflammation of the vagina, facial spots, decreased sexual desire, etc.

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy.
• Uterine or breast cancer.
• Cholecystitis, liver damage.
• Circulatory disorders: varicose veins, thrombosis, etc.
• Absence of rule (amenorrhea) for any reason.
• Bronchial asthma, diabetes, migraine.
• Disorders of the thyroid gland.
• High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease.
• Genital bleeding.
• Psychiatric conditions, etc.

Adolescent Stage Defined

Adolescence: The stage of maturation between childhood and adult status. The term denotes the period from the onset of puberty to maturity and usually begins around the age of fourteen years for males and twelve years for females. Although this transition varies among different cultures, it is generally defined as the period of time that individuals need to be considered socially autonomous and independent. It is very important to eat a balanced diet during this time.

Essential Food Groups for Adolescents

Group 1: Protein Sources

• Meat: Beef, fish, seafood, rabbit, goat, poultry, and pork.
• Dairy: Milk powder, pasteurized dairy cheese, ripening cheese, yogurt.
• Eggs: Chicken, quail, turtle, iguana, and fish eggs.

These foods provide vitamins A, B, B1, B6, and B12, along with calcium and iron to help the formation and repair of body tissues, the formation of antibodies, and the formation of enzymes.

Group 2: Vitamins and Carbohydrates

• Vegetables and Fruit: Green and yellow vegetables (kale, spinach, milk [likely meant leafy greens], carrots, pumpkin, red pepper, and tomato).
• Other Vegetables: Eggplant, cauliflower, cabbage, onion, turnip, green beans, and cucumber.
• Fruits: Orange, peach, banana, etc.

These foods are high in carbohydrates and vitamins A and C to help lessen the predisposition of certain types of cancer and also help reduce obesity.

Group 3: Energy and Protein Support

• Grains: Peas, beans, lentils, etc.
• Cereals: Rice, oats, malt, corn, etc.
• Starchy Vegetables: Potato, cassava, yams, etc.

These foods are sources of carbohydrates that help maintain protein requirements.