Adolescents and long-acting reversible contraceptives: beyond the basics

Abstract

Purpose of review The current article explores some of the more complex subtopics concerning adolescents and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC). Recent findings Recent research has highlighted ways in which LARC provision can be optimized in adolescents and has identified gaps in adolescent LARC access and utilization. Summary Contraceptive counseling for adolescents should be patient-centered, not necessarily LARC-first, to avoid coercion. There are increasing applications for the noncontraceptive benefits of LARC for several unique patient populations and medical conditions.

Addressing long-acting reversible contraception access, bias, and coercion: supporting adolescent and young adult reproductive autonomy

“…Following these recommendations, concerns were raised about this approach as it oversimplifies the complexity of AYA contraceptive preferences and limits reproductive autonomy [3]. In response to this critique, 'first-line' language was removed from the societies' position statements, and emphasis was placed on using a reproductive justice framework to ensure AYAs have access to all methods including LARC [4,5,6…”

“…There is a robust literature on providing LARC to AYAs, including recent review papers that discuss acceptability, counseling, safety, procedure (placement and removal), side effect management, and noncontraceptive uses [6 ▪ ,7 ▪ ]. In this update, we will bring reproductive justice to the forefront of our discussion of AYA LARC.…”