PIP: In a study carried out in Germany between 1985-89 unintended pregnancy was found in 7.9% of girls aged 15-21 in 1985 and in 5.2% in 1989. A study of 2905 young people aged 14-18 in Austria indicated that 75% of girls and 55% of boys had sexual intercourse by age 18 making contraception vital for adolescents. Among oral contraceptives (OCs) micropills with 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol barely affect the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, but the gestagen component can induce bleeding, spotting, and breast symptoms. Discontinuation quickly restores the normal connection of the hypophysis and ovary without affecting later pregnancy. 5.1 years after the end of high-dose combination OC use for 9-46 months only 3 out of 13 women did not become pregnant. OCs reduce bleeding disorders, anemia, and dysmenorrhea, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. Their effect on breast cancer is not clear. Phenobarbital and rifampicin accelerate OC metabolism, and OCs reduce the effect of anticonvulsives and tolbutamide (for hypoglycemia). Neogynon and Stediril D are postcoital pills used within 48 hours of intercourse. IUDs are not recommended, as adnexal infection is 1.5-2 times higher in girls 14018 using IUDs. The effectiveness of the diaphragm and condom depend on motivation; creams and vaginal sponges are useful but they may cause irritation. The Billings method produced only a 2.9 Pearl-index reliability in 7000 cycles, thus natural methods often fail. Before age 14 girls must have parental consent for prescription of OCs, after 14 the physician is not liable for OC prescription, but induced abortion still requires parental consent until age 18.