Changes in use of long-acting contraceptive methods in the United States, 2007–2009

Abstract

Objectives To examine trends in use of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods — the IUD and implant — and the extent to which these methods have replaced permanent sterilization and less-effective short-acting methods. Design We tabulated data from female survey respondents overall and by demographic subgroups. We performed t-tests of the differences in the proportions of female contraceptors using LARC in 2007 and 2009. We also looked at use of LARC, sterilization, other methods and no method among women at risk of unintended pregnancy. Setting Secondary analysis of the 2002 and 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth, an in-home, nationally representative survey of women 15–44. Patients All female respondents to the surveys. Interventions None. Main outcome measures Current use of LARC methods in 2009, and change in use from 2007. Results The proportion of contraceptors using LARC increased significantly from 2.4% in 2002 to 3.7% in 2007 and 8.5% in 2009. The increase occurred among women in almost every age, race, education and income group. Among women at risk of unintended pregnancy, increases in LARC use more than offset decreases in sterilization. Conclusions LARC methods (primarily IUDs) are contributing to an increase in contraceptive effectiveness in the United States.

Prophylactic ibuprofen does not improve pain with IUD insertion: a randomized trial

“…Women choosing an IUD for contraception have the highest continuation and satisfaction rates compared to other contraceptive methods [26]. In recent years, IUD use has risen predominately among parous women [27], and as our study confirmed low pain levels with IUD insertion among parous women, likely no additional pain intervention is necessary for this group. However, reducing pain with IUD insertion among nulliparous women may increase the acceptability of this highly effective contraceptive method for this group.…”

Do Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Intrauterine Devices Predict Interest in Their Use?

“…contracepting women using IUDs increasing from 3.7% in 2007 to 8.5% in 2009 (Finer, Jerman, & Kavanaugh, 2012) While training providers and the amelioration of co-pay requirements should make IUDs accessible for many women, there are additional reasons why IUD uptake may remain low.…”

Permanent Sterilisation to Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Is a Paradigm Shift Necessary?

“…Women younger than 30 years at the time of sterilisation report especially high levels of post-sterilisation regret and are almost twice as likely to report regret as those older than 30 years [13]. Age less than 30 years was the strongest risk factor in an Indian study [14].…”