Immediate Postpartum Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Uptake and Outcomes [ID: 1371558

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tennessee Medicaid began covering immediate postpartum (IPP) long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in November 2017 with the goal of reducing the rate of short-interval births (SIBs) (defined as less than 24 months after a previous birth). In 2014, 22.7% of births in Tennessee were SIBs. We sought to determine IPP LARC uptake and SIB outcomes for women who received IPP LARC after this policy was implemented. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of women who delivered from March to December 2018 and received IPP LARC was conducted. LARC receipt and SIB outcomes were determined utilizing local, regional, and state records (IRB: 4768, 2021-0303). RESULTS: Among the 406 IPP LARC recipients, the average age was 25.9 (15–42), and the average number of living children was 1.28 (0–6). LARC type elected was 4.7% copper intrauterine system (Cu-IUS), 39.9% levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), and 55.4% contraceptive implant. Subsequent SIB was identified in only 5.4% (22). Of these, 2 received Cu-IUS, 10 received LNG-IUS, and 10 received contraceptive arm implants. Timing and reason for removal were documented for 7 of these. Expulsion was identified in 1 copper and 1 hormonal IUD. Removals due to side effects were reported in 3 implant and 2 hormonal IUD users. CONCLUSION: The rate of SIB among the IPP LARC recipients was much lower than the general rate among Tennessee women, highlighting the benefit of IPP LARC provision. Additionally, the high preference for contraceptive implants may reflect provider counseling on the increased risk of IUD expulsion when placed IPP or other factors that may be elucidated by future studies.