Sexual orientation-related differences in contraceptive use: A brief report based on a cohort of adolescent and young women

Abstract

ObjectivesTo examine contraceptive methods used by adolescent/young adult women of diverse sexual orientations. Study designWe collected data from 12,902 females, born 1982–1995, from the longitudinal Growing Up Today Study. ResultsCompared to heterosexuals, lesbians were half as likely to use contraceptives; other sexual minority subgroups (e.g., bisexuals) were more likely to use contraceptives, particularly long-acting reversible contraceptives. ConclusionsMany sexual minority women use contraception throughout adolescence/young adulthood, though use is low among lesbians. ImplicationsWith limited contraception use, lesbians miss opportunities for care and need to be brought into the healthcare system in other ways.