Long-Acting Removable Contraceptives Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Abstract

In the United States teen pregnancy remains a stubborn public health problem. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) which include the 2 intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the etonogestrel implant are the most effective methods to prevent pregnancy and LARC use is increasing in the US. However use continued to lag behind other developed countries which have lower rates of teen pregnancy and unintended pregnancy. This article describes postpartum contraceptive use among adolescent mothers using data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System. Available evidence demonstrates that implants prevent repeat pregnancies among postpartum adolescents; therefore the author recommends that attention should be focused on increasing the use of LARC in this population. Some barriers to LARC use among adolescents include healthcare provider misconceptions about the appropriateness of LARC and lack of training in LARC provision. In conclusion increasing the uptake of LARC has the potential to dramatically reduce repeat pregnancy in this population.