The economic value of contraception: a comparison of 15 methods.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of the study was to determine the clinical and economic impact of alternative contraceptive methods. METHODS. Direct medical costs (method use, side effects, and unintended pregnancies) associated with 15 contraceptive methods were modeled from the perspectives of a private payer and a publicly funded program. Cost data were drawn from a national claims database and MediCal. The main outcome measures included 1-year and 5-year costs and number of pregnancies avoided compared with use of no contraceptive method. RESULTS. All 15 contraceptives were more effective and less costly than no method. Over 5 years, the copper-T IUD, vasectomy, the contraceptive implant, and the injectable contraceptive were the most cost-effective, saving $14,122, $13,899, $13,813, and $13,373, respectively, and preventing approximately the same number of pregnancies (4.2) per person. Because of their high failure rates, barrier methods, spermicides, withdrawal, and periodic abstinence were costly but still saved from $8933 to $12,239 over 5 years. Oral contraceptives fell between these groups, costing $1784 over 5 years, saving $12,879, and preventing 4.1 pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS. Contraceptives save health care resources by preventing unintended pregnancies. Up-front acquisition costs are inaccurate predictors of the total economic costs of competing contraceptive methods.

Unit cost of providing and utilizing contraception services for newly married couples in Satara district of Maharashtra, India

“…They have concluded that all the contraceptive strategies have been more effective and less costly than no method. [12] This fi nding differs from that in our study. In our study the comparator has been the top priority 'National family welfare program'.…”

Long Tail Strings: Impact of the Dalkon Shield 40 Years Later

“…They also realized that IUDs were not as profitable as their less controversial oral contraceptive product lines [51]. As such, from 1983-1988 there were no IUDs on the market in the United States [52].…”

Side effect profile of Jadelle implant in Nigerian women during the first 12 months of usage

“…The effect it has on the cervical mucus by thickening it may be beneficial as it protects against ascending upper genital tract infections. 17,18 Notwithstanding the high efficacy and other benefits of implants, the method requires a minor surgical procedure for both insertion and removal, and these are dependent on the health provider. In addition, they can be visible and palpable at the site of insertion and they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.…”