Long-acting Reversible Contraception Research Articles

The effects of an educational intervention on women's contraceptive preferences in the immediate postpartum period: A cross-sectional study.

To assess postpartum women's contraceptive preferences and the impact of an educational intervention on these preferences, identifying factors motivating method choices. This cross-sectional quantitative study included women within 48 h after delivery in a public Brazilian hospital. Participants were asked about their contraceptive preferences before and after an educational intervention, which aimed to inform women about the importance of early postpartum contraception, available methods, mechanisms of action, effectiveness, proper use, and side effects. A nursing professional explained contraceptives to postpartum women in individual sessions, demonstrating their use on simulators interactively for about 15 min. Statistical analyses were performed using JAMOVI version 2.3.28 and Microsoft Excel 2016. A total of 402 women (226 adolescents and 176 adults) were included. After the intervention, preference for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) increased significantly from 157 (39.1%) to 279 (68.7%) (P < 0.001). At the initial assessment, contraceptive preferences were injectable hormonal contraceptives (159 [39.6%]), intrauterine devices (IUDs) (109 [27.1%]), and implants (48 [11.9%]). After the educational intervention, IUDs became the most popular method, at 143 (35.6%), followed by implants (133 [33.1%]) and injectables (81 [20.1%]). Among adolescents, there was a significant increase in implant choice (P < 0.001) and a decrease in injectables and pills (P < 0.001; P = 0.006). Adults showed increased preference for implants (P < 0.001) and IUDs (P < 0.001), with a reduction in injectable hormonal contraceptives (P = 0.005) and tubal ligation (P = 0.006). An educational intervention during postpartum period can influence women's contraceptive choices. Timely education was associated with a significant increase in LARC preference.

Risk of Discontinuance in Contraceptive Uptake Among Kenya Women: A Survival Analysis Using the Cox Proportional Hazard Model

A problem of equal importance is the substantial challenge posed by the discontinuance of contraceptive use in family planning programs, particularly for developing countries such as Kenya. Investigating the determinants of contraceptive discontinuation using demographic factors can provide insights to enhance the efficacy of family planning. Using data from the Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) survey, this study examined the demographic and contraceptive method-related covariates associated with the risk of discontinuation of contraception among Kenyan women. The study employed Cox proportional hazards models to analyze sampled data of Kenyan women from the PMA survey. Two separate models were used: a standard model which included demographic characteristics with a baseline contraceptive variable (Ever use contraceptive) and an extended model showing how specific contraceptive methods impact the likelihood of the risk of discontinuing contraception. Older age (Coefficient of -0.268 with a hazard ratio of 0.765) was associated with a decreased risk of contraceptive discontinuation. At the same time, women with higher educational levels (Coefficient of 0.015, with a hazard ratio of 1.015) were related to an elevated hazard and were more likely to discontinue their current method of contraception. The extended model showed that subcutaneous injectable contraceptives (Coefficient of -2.040 with a hazard ratio of 0.130) and male condoms (Coefficient of -1.137 with a hazard ratio of 0.321) were conditionally related to a significantly decreased hazard of discontinuation. The results highlight the importance of contraception choice and the significance of age and education in maintaining continuous contraception. To support Kenyan women in maintaining continuous contraception in achieving their reproductive health goals comprehensive education on emergency contraception and the provision of long-acting reversible contraceptives should be provided by health and family planning organizations. There is a call for a longitudinal study to offer an understanding of the dynamic behavior of contraception over time and the need for time-varying analyses to capture the evolving nature of contraception and its discontinuation.

The Thematic Analysis of Barriers to Immediate Post-Partum Long-Acting Reversible Contraception

Background: Globally, many women express the desire to avoid immediate pregnancy for 24 months postdelivery, and only forty percent use contraceptives during this period. There is an enormous demand for postpartum family planning, particularly in developing countries with low- or middle-income grades. Postpartum intrauterine devices such as long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are among the most effective methods of family planning in the immediate postpartum period, yet their effectiveness is hindered because of a lack of availability and training. Strategies to increase access to LARCs are essential. Hence, the purpose of the current study is to determine the barriers among healthcare providers in providing immediate postpartum family planning services. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at SIMS, a tertiary care teaching hospital, from January to March 2024. Approximately 293 healthcare providers who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were provided an online questionnaire in the form of a Google Forms link, which included a structured questionnaire focusing on various aspects, including demographics, knowledge, practices, and barriers in their practice. The data collected were analysed through SPSS version 26, which employs chi-square tests and Pearson’s correlation to determine any significant associations among them. Based on the key statistical outcomes and the significant correlations observed related to the data, a thematic analysis through SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) was conducted. The study adhered to the method outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006) and compiled with the COREQ (consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research) checklist to uphold methodological integrity. Results: Among the participants, 92.4% provided family planning counselling after childbirth, predominantly during the antenatal period (75.1%), and the provision of immediate postnatal family planning was reported in 76.1% of the participants, with PPIUDs identified as the most utilized method by 52.6%. Various barriers were identified, including insufficient training on Implanon (33.4%) and the PPIUCD (12.6%), the unavailability of implants (59.0%), and a lack of interest among patients (46.1%). Statistically significant associations were observed between the practice setting and knowledge of postpartum family planning (p = 0.002), as well as deficiencies in training for the PPIUCD (p &lt; 0.001). The study highlights the place of practice and the practitioners’ experience as significant strengths in offering immediate postpartum contraception and referring patients for family planning. However, qualification was identified as a limiting factor for practicing immediate postpartum family planning. Conclusions: This study revealed significant difficulty in delivering prompt postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), underscoring the necessity of improved education and training for professionals. Focusing on these challenges is important in enhancing postpartum family planning acceptance and decreasing unfulfilled requirements in resource-limited settings.

Effects of the Affordable Care Act on Contraception, Pregnancy, and Pregnancy Termination Rates.

To investigate the effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its elimination of cost-sharing on contraception utilization, pregnancy rates, and abortion rates. We conducted a retrospective cohort study within a healthcare system serving over 4.5 million insured members across 21 medical centers and 250 clinics. The study included women aged 18-45 with continuous health plan membership for at least two years in the pre-ACA (2007-2012) and post-ACA (2013-2018) periods. We analyzed out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for contraception, including oral contraceptives and long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), before and after the ACA's implementation. We then examined how the elimination of OOP costs affected contraception use, pregnancy rates, and abortion rates. The study identified 1,523,962 women of childbearing age. In 2013, cost sharing for contraception sharply declined, with average annual OOP costs dropping from $88-$94 pre-ACA to nearly zero post-ACA. Contraceptive use increased overall, rising from 30.2% pre-ACA to 31.9% by the study's end, with a notable rise in LARC use. In interrupted time-series analyses, while contraception use continued to increase post-ACA, new pregnancy rates declined at a faster rate than pre-ACA, and abortion rates continued to fall, though at a slightly slower pace than pre-ACA (p<0.05 for all trends). The Affordable Care Act's elimination of contraception cost-sharing led to increased contraception use, particularly LARC methods, and contributed to declines in both pregnancy and abortion rates. This suggests that improving access to effective contraception is a key strategy in reducing unintended pregnancies.

Contraceptive Choice and Sexual Behaviors in Both-Sex Attracted Adolescents: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Study ObjectiveBisexual adolescents have higher rates of unintended pregnancy than their heterosexual peers and increased rates of high-risk sexual behaviors. They may be less likely to use effective contraception, though limited data is available. This study sought to compare contraceptive choice and sexual risk behaviors of both-sex attracted and opposite-sex attracted adolescents and young adults (AYA) presenting to a contraception clinic. MethodsA retrospective chart review of AYA aged 14-24 years who presented for an initial visit to a contraception clinic from 2014 to 2020. The primary outcome was contraceptive choice (long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), non-LARC, or nothing). Secondary outcomes included sexual behaviors. Results were analyzed using Pearson's chi-square and Wilcoxon tests. Results2369 AYA were included in this study. Both-sex attracted and opposite-sex attracted patients were similar in age, race, and ethnicity. There was no difference between groups in percent selecting LARC (71% vs 66.1%, p=0.11). Both-sex attracted patients reported a younger age at first sex (14.6 years vs 15.5 years, p < .001), more lifetime sexual partners (4.1 vs 2.8, p < .001), and a higher prevalence of forced intercourse (21.9% vs 8.8%, p < .001). ConclusionsBoth-sex attracted and opposite-sex attracted AYA patients chose LARCs at similar rates in a setting with standardized contraceptive counseling. Both-sex attracted patients had more sexual risk behaviors. Healthcare providers should be inclusive in their approach to obtaining sexual health histories and providing contraceptive counseling and be cognizant that adolescents with both-sex attraction may be at higher risk of forced intercourse.

Effectiveness of Intrauterine Contraceptive Device in Immediate Post-Partum Period

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) in immediate postpartum period for prevention of pregnancy. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study Place And Duration Of Study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, POF Hospital Wah Cantt. Pakistan, from Jan to Jun 2021. Methodology: A total of 100 women, aged 20-40 years, and parity 1-4 undergoing delivery either through normal vaginal (Group-A) or Cesarean section (Group-B) who accepted Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) in postpartum period were included. IUCDs were placed within 48 hours of delivery. The females were followed up after first menstruation up to 3 to 6 weeks on the phone and were recalled in OPD for assessment. The primary outcome was frequency of expulsion of IUCDs and secondary outcome was pregnancy. Results: Out of the 56 patients in Group-A, 54 (96.4%) didn’t become pregnant. Only 2(3.6%) patients had positive pregnancy test. Forty out of forty-four subjects in Group-B (90.90%) did not develop pregnancy, which shows that IUCD (Cu-T) is an effective means of contraception (p value &lt;0.001). LARC effectiveness was analogous in both study groups with p value 0.232. Similarly, the frequency of expulsion was also comparable in both groups that is 11(25.0%) expulsions in Group-B versus 16(28.6%) in Group-A (p value 0.433). Conclusion: The Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (Cu-T) is effective means of contraception in immediate postpartum period and can be used to decrease the expulsion rate in these women.

Exploring adolescent contraceptive counseling: A hypothetical daughter scenario

ObjectivesWe aimed to describe contraceptive methods used by clinicians who counsel adolescents to create an aggregate perspective which could be shared with patients. We also explored which method clinicians would recommend to a hypothetical daughter to identify associations between clinicians who had used long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and potential recommendations. MethodsAn online survey was sent to pediatric and adolescent gynecology academic societies and fellowship/division directors to share with their clinicians. Frequency and percentage of self-reported personal/partner contraceptive method ever use was calculated. Bivariate tests evaluated the relationship between personal LARC use and contraception recommendations. ResultsAcross 669 clinicians, 46 % reported personal/partner LARC use, and 77 % recommended LARC to a hypothetical daughter. LARC users were more likely to recommend LARC for a hypothetical daughter (89 % LARC users recommend it versus 66 % non-LARC users, p < 0.01). ConclusionResults can support shared decision-making counseling discussions. When families ask, “what do you use” or “what would you start for your daughter,” clinicians might consider sharing this aggregate perspective. Practice implicationsIn this study, clinicians who personally use LARC were more likely to recommend LARC for a hypothetical daughter. Clinicians can share this aggregate perspective to reduce personal bias during contraceptive counselling.

Missing IUCD – A Case Report

Intra-uterine contraceptive devices are one of the long-acting reversible contraceptive methods which are highly acceptable by patients. These are well tolerated by patients and serious complications like perforation rarely occur, but if such complications remain undetected, they can cause major morbidity to the patient. We report one such case of missing IUCD, which was found to be in pelvis outside of uterus, that was detected on routine post-insertion follow-up. Patient was operated immediately and is now doing well. We through this case report, want to emphasize the importance of proper counseling of the warning signs of perforation like pain abdomen and missing threads along with post insertion follow -ups for early identification of perforated IUCD thus, minimizing the patient morbidity.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Use after Non-Receipt of Postpartum Permanent Contraception: A Retrospective Analysis.

Objective: To evaluate long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use versus permanent contraception (PC) use at hospital discharge through 1 year postpartum after an unfulfilled immediate postpartum PC request. Study Design: We present a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study of patients across four study sites between 2018 and 2019 with PC as their documented inpatient postpartum contraceptive plan. We abstracted demographic and clinical characteristics, contraceptive plans and time to contraceptive fulfillment, reasons for non-fulfillment, and pregnancy incidence up to 1 year postpartum from medical records. Results: Of 3,013 patients initially desiring PC, 1,759 patients (58.4%) received PC and 136 patients (4.5%) received LARC on discharge; with an additional 217 patients receiving PC and an additional 176 patients receiving LARC in the 1 year postpartum. Participants who received inpatient LARC were more likely to be younger, to be unmarried, to have Medicaid insurance, and to have delivered vaginally compared with participants who received inpatient PC. Of the 304 patients who received LARC rather than PC during the year postpartum, 49 (16.1%) expressed an interest in LARC prenatally. Reasons for non-fulfillment of PC were varied at different time points postpartum, with 50.3% stating they did not receive PC by 1 year postpartum because they had changed their mind. Conclusions: Ten percent of patients with an unmet postpartum PC request use LARC methods instead at 1 year postpartum. Patients who do use LARC are unlikely to bridge to receipt of PC. Institutions should prioritize fulfillment of desired postpartum PC prior to hospital discharge.

Discontinuation of long-acting reversible contraception: a retrospective Dutch study in general practice

Background In the Netherlands, the use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods increases. Studies show high premature discontinuation rates of LARCs, but comprehensive insights into the Dutch situation remain limited. Aim The aim of this study is to determine (1) the rate and reasons of discontinuation of different types of LARC in the first 2.5 years of use and (2) what patient characteristics are associated with premature discontinuation. Design and setting Retrospective cohort study utilising data from a Dutch primary care research network. Methods We included all women who received a LARC between 2017 and 2019 with a 2.5-year follow-up period. We performed a descriptive analysis, Kaplan Meier and logistic regression analysis to answer the research questions. Results We included 642 women. In total, 166 women (25.9%) discontinued their LARC within 2.5 years. Discontinuation rates were 22% for levonorgestrel intra-uterine systems (LNG-IUS) 52 mg, 25% for LNG-IUS 19.5 mg, 39% for copper IUDs and 47% for subdermal implants. Common reasons for discontinuation were: alterations in bleeding pattern (68%), abdominal pain (32%), headache or mood fluctuation (24%) and a preference for natural contraceptive methods (23%). Factors associated with discontinuation for reasons other than pregnancy wish were: age between 30 and 34 years old (OR 5.1, 95% CI [1.26–20.48]) and a history of sexual, physical and/or psychological abuse (OR 3.16, 95% CI [1.60–6.23]). A high educational level (OR 0.33, 95% CI [0.12–0.89]) was associated with a lower risk of discontinuation. Conclusion The discontinuation rates of LARCs are high. Better counselling might prevent premature discontinuation.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) and Early Childbearing Revisited: Births and Birth Intendedness After LARC Removal in a State Medicaid Population (2012-2020).

Objectives. To analyze births and birth intendedness after long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) removal among Medicaid-insured women. Methods. We linked all Delaware women with a Medicaid-covered LARC removal in 2012 to 2020 (n = 8047) to birth records and to Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) pregnancy intendedness survey responses (n = 241). Results. Births within 3 years of a Medicaid-covered LARC removal were much more likely to be to women in their 20s compared with all Medicaid births (63.5% vs 53.4%; P < .001). The intended proportion for births within 3 years of Medicaid-covered LARC removal (65.2%) was higher than for all Medicaid-covered births (58.8%; P = .08) and was consistently above 60% across all age groups younger than 30 years. Conclusions. A state Medicaid-insured population's use of highly effective reversible contraception was associated with births being concentrated among women in their 20s and with consistently high fractions of intended births across younger ages at birth. Public Health Implications. Programs and policies may consider LARC access for its potential to increase low-income women's reproductive autonomy by enhancing their ability to achieve births at the age of their choosing. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print October 10, 2024:e1-e8. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307844).

Barriers and enablers to utilisation of postpartum long-acting reversible contraception in Eastern Uganda: a qualitative study

IntroductionIn Uganda, although most women wish to delay or prevent future pregnancies, uptake of postpartum family planning (PPFP) is low. We explored behavioural factors influencing the utilisation of postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) in Eastern Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study in two districts of Eastern Uganda. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions with postpartum women, male partners, midwives, and village health team members. We analysed transcripts using framework analysis, based on the COM-B framework.ResultsThe use of immediate postpartum LARC was affected by the capabilities of women in terms of their knowledge and misconceptions. Limited capabilities of health workers to provide counselling and insert IUDs, as well as shortages of implants, reduced the physical opportunites for women to access PPFP. Social opportunities for women were limited because men wanted to be involved in the decision but rarely had time to accompany their partners to health facilities, and health workers often appeared too stressed. Men also feared that PPFP would enable their partners to be unfaithful. Motivation to take up immediate postpartum LARC included the desire to space births, preference for contraceptive implants over intra uterine devices (IUD) at the 6-week postpartum period, resumption of sex and menses, partner support, and perceived effectiveness of postpartum contraception. Participants thought that uptake of immediate postpartum LARC could be improved by health education and outreach visits, male involvement and couples’ counselling in antenatal clinic appointments, and enabling switching between family planning methods (in case of side-effects) .ConclusionLow uptake of PPFP was caused by inadequate knowledge and misconceptions about LARC by women and their partners, insufficient numbers of midwives trained to provide PPFP, stock-outs of PPFP methods, and few social opportunities for couples to be counselled together. These factors could be addressed by scaling up effective, low cost and innovative ways to provide health education (such as films), involving men in decision-making, as well as training more midwives to provide PPFP services, and ensuring that they have sufficient time and supplies.

Sex differences in use of potentially teratogenic disease modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis and degree of hormonal contraception overlap in women between 2007–2021: An Australian population-based study

BackgroundDisease modifying treatments (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) have varying levels of teratogenic potential, but whether this influences DMT prescribing patterns by sex or concurrent use of hormonal contraception in women is unknown. This study aimed to examine patterns in dispensing of DMTs in women and men with MS, and hormonal long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) overlap at DMT initiation among women. MethodsPopulation cohort study using 10% random sample of the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme dispensing data (2007–2021). DMT dispensing data were evaluated separately for women and men aged 18–49 years. Hormonal LARC overlap was determined by receipt of contraceptive dispensing where the expected duration of efficacy overlapped with the DMT dispensing date. ResultsDMTs with teratogenic potential (cladribine, sphingosine-1-phosphates and teriflunomide) were less likely to be commenced in women than men aged 18–39 (OR 0.70, 0.51–0.96), but not in those aged 40–49 (OR 0.93, 0.60–1.43). Hormonal LARC overlap was higher among those commenced DMTs with teratogenic potential compared with interferons (aOR 2.52, 1.14, 5.55). ConclusionSex and age differences in DMT utilisation were observed based on teratogenic potential. Hormonal LARC overlap appears higher in those receiving potentially teratogenic DMTs, but overall rates remain low.

A Quality Improvement Approach to Increasing Access to long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives in a Federally Qualified Health Center.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are the most effective forms of contraception available and therefore play a critical role in supporting patients to exercise bodily autonomy and achieve reproductive goals. A comprehensive set of quality improvement (QI) interventions were implemented between March and June 2019 to improve LARC access at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in (US State). An evaluation study was conducted to assess the impact of the QI initiative considering the number of LARCS delivered as a proxy for access. The Wilcoxon-rank test was applied to test for significance, given a non-parametric sample of LARCs delivered by 13 providers (matched to themselves) pre- and post-intervention. Reimbursement for LARC procedures pre- and post-intervention was also examined to determine economic impact and sustainability of incorporating a new device, the Liletta™, in the floor stock. There was a statistically significant increase in LARC delivery between July 2019-March 2020 compared to July 2018-March 2019. Approximately $1,000 per month increased reimbursement for LARC services occurred post-intervention. The evaluation study concluded success of the QI intervention, with need for further study needed to determine equitable delivery of contraceptive services between different subpopulations and by insurance status. The study provides a blueprint for QI initiatives to improve access to LARCs while also increasing revenue for LARC services in an FQHC setting.

Longitudinal trends in uptake of hormonal long-acting reversible contraception devices throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: an Australian population-based study

BackgroundLittle is known about the degree to which the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated restrictions and disruptions to health services, impacted the accessibility of hormonal long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) devices within...

Effect of Levonorgestrel Implant on Lactation and Infant Growth: A Review

Background: Family Planning is a way to regulate the number of children born and the spacing of pregnancies through information, education, and the use of contraceptives. Postpartum contraception is important to obtain an optimal interpregnancy interval. Postpartum contraception should be initiated early; one of which is Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC). Levonorgestrel can be used to prevent pregnancy because it interferes with ovulation, implantation, and fertilization. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and effects of using levonorgestrel implants on breastfeeding and infant growth. Methods: Primary data were in the form of research papers obtained from ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar published from the period 2010-2018. The keywords for the searches included: “levonorgestrel”, “levonorgestrel (LNG)-releasing implant”, “levonorgestrel on lactogenesis”, “levonorgestrel on infant growth”, and “levonorgestrel on breastfeeding”, which were used alone or in combination. Results: The 20 selected articles were reviewed based on five identified phrases. Levonorgestrel subdermal implants were shown to be a good choice for women who wanted effective contraception. When used by breastfeeding mothers, levonorgestrel subdermal implants affected neither infant growth (0-1 year of age) nor lactation duration. Conclusions: Levonorgestrel subdermal implants can be effective long-term contraception. These implants are safe for breastfeeding mothers and do not affect infant growth.

A systematic review on clinical practice guidelines for managing pregnancy following metabolic-bariatric surgery.

The ongoing pandemic of obesity is associated with an increase of weight loss surgeries in women of reproductive age. This study was conducted to review clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for managing pregnancy following metabolic-bariatric surgery. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of all CPGs that covered the management of pregnancy following metabolic-bariatric surgery, 2010 through 2022, and that were published in English. Two authors independently scored the quality and usefulness of CPGs using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool (AGREE II). From a total of 20 CPGs, consistent recommendations included the following: 1) contraception with long-acting reversible contraceptives before surgery until the optimal time of pregnancy; 2) nutritional care by a dietitian; 3) considering gastrointestinal discomforts during pregnancy as a potential surgical complication; and 4) modified screening for gestational diabetes instead of glucose tolerance tests preventing post-bariatric hypoglycemia. There was a lack of uniformity concerning surgery-to-conception interval and dose of supplements, as well as research gaps regarding the surgical type, mental health, delivery type, breastfeeding, neonatal care, and weight retention. All recommendations for managing pregnancy after metabolic-bariatric surgery were deemed clinically useful. Although consistent recommendations should be implemented, inconsistencies should be the focus of research.

Contraception for women over 40: A comprehensive guide.

Women in their 40s experience significant reproductive health changes, requiring personalised contraception to avoid unintended high-risk pregnancies and adapt to changing health conditions. This article examines optimal contraceptive choices for women in their 40s, considering effectiveness, ease of use, non-contraceptive benefits, side effects, contraindications and re-evaluation or discontinuation timings. Contraceptive choices for women in their 40s vary depending on their family planning status, underlying health conditions and risk factors. Long-acting reversible contraceptives, permanent sterilisation and progestogen-only methods (excluding depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) are preferred options for women who have completed their families. Hormonal contraceptives can help manage menstrual disorders and bone health issues while providing endometrial protection during menopause. Regular contraceptive reviews should be conducted, and options adapted asneeded.

Intrauterine device use in adolescence: a narrative review.

Contraceptive use in adolescence remains a challenging issue. Adolescents are at high risk of unintended pregnancies and sexual transmitted infections. During the past few decades intrauterine devices are recommended from global health organization, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and World Health Organization as a method of contraception for adolescents. Intrauterine devices are part of the long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) and include the copper bearing device (CU-IUD) and the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). IUDs are a safe and effective contraceptive method for adolescents with a failure rate less than 1%. Their use is not limited only in contraception. LNG-IUS 52 mg is approved for treating heavy menstrual bleeding and protection from endometrial hyperplasia in women receiving hormone replacement therapy. It can also be an effective tool in the management of dysmenorrhea, while CU-IUD can provide emergency contraception. Nevertheless, IUDs remain underutilized in this group of population. Adolescents' lack of proper education about contraception and sexual behavior creates myths and misconceptions about the possible side effects and the suitability of IUDs in this age group. Furthermore, health care providers remain skeptical and hesitate to suggest IUDs to adolescents. Other barriers including high cost, concern about confidentiality and difficulties in access contribute to its limited use. It is of high importance to eliminate barriers and offer more accessible contraceptive services to adolescents.

Contraception options during pubertal transition: Risks, benefits and considerations.

The age of puberty and sexual maturation has been decreasing, highlighting the importance of providing appropriate contraception to girls and adolescents. However, challenges remain, including legal implications and understanding the effects of hormonal methods on pubertal development. This article aims to equip general practitioners with theknowledge of options, as well as their use and limitations, in young people seeking contraception. No one-size-fits-all approach exists for adolescent contraception. Long-acting reversible contraceptives offer superior contraceptive efficacy, with subdermal implants being the most acceptable regarding the insertion procedure. Condoms should be recommended for protection against sexually transmissible infections. Bone health and mood disorders should be considered when prescribing hormonal contraceptives. Despite the lack of robust evidence regarding harm caused by contraception in adolescents, preventing unintended pregnancies should take precedence, with theoretical risks guiding tailored options for individuals.