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Use of LARC increased among sexually active teens
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Among teenagers aged 15 to 19 years, the use of intrauterine devices and implants has increased 15-fold since 2005, but still remains low, despite being the most effective form of birth control, according to a recent report from the CDC.
“The good news is that teens are taking responsibility for their reproductive health needs. Nearly 90% of teen used birth control the last time they had sex, but we also know that teens using birth control do not often choose intrauterine devices and implants – the most effective types of birth control. Parents and teens are encouraged to talk with their health care professional to learn about the various types of birth control, including long-acting reversible contraception,” Lisa Romero, DrPH, division of reproductive health, CDC, said in a press release.
Lisa Romero
To examine the use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) among teens aged 15 to 19 years, researchers evaluated data from Title X National Family Planning Program’s Family Planning Annual Report from 2005 to 2013.
Between 2005 and 2013, 7.5 million girls, aged 15 to 19 years, sought contraceptive services from Title X service sites. Patients using LARC increased from 4,112 in 2005 to 43,696 in 2013. Teens who continued or adopted LARC since their previous visit increased from 0.4% in 2005 to 7.1% in 2013 (P < .001)
In 2013, of the 616,148 women who sought contraceptive services, 2.8% (n = 17,349) used intrauterine devices (IUDs) and 4.3% (n = 26,347) used implants.
Nationally, LARC usage among teens aged 15 to 19 years varied significantly by state, with 25.8% in Colorado, compared with only 0.7% in Mississippi.
More provider education regarding safety of LARCs for teens, insertion training, client-centered counseling approaches and reduction in cost for contraception are effective strategies for increasing LARC usage among teens, according to the researchers.
Ileana Arias
“Health care professionals have a powerful role to play in reducing teen pregnancy. They can encourage teens not to have sex and discuss the use of IUDs and implants as contraceptive options available to teens who choose to be sexually active. Long-acting reversible contraception is safe for teens, easy to use and very effective. We need to remove barriers and increase awareness, access and availability of long-acting reversible contraception such as IUDs and implants,” Ileana Arias, PhD, CDC principal deputy director, said in a press release. – by Casey Hower
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.