title: Increasing Use of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception to Decrease Unplanned Pregnancy.
abstract: Unintended pregnancy remains high in the United States, accounting for one-half of pregnancies. Both contraceptive nonuse and imperfect use contribute to unplanned pregnancies. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) have greater efficacy than shorter acting methods. Data from large studies show that unplanned pregnancy rates are lower among women using LARC. However, overall use of LARC is low; of the reproductive age women using contraception, less than 10% are LARC users. Barriers include lack of knowledge and high up-front cost, and prevent more widespread use. Overcoming these barriers and increasing the number of women using LARC will decrease unplanned pregnancies and abortions.
authors.affiliation: Division of Family Planning and Preventive Care, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street, Northwest, Washington, DC 20010, USA. Electronic address: Pamela.lotke@medstar.net.
authors.forename: Pamela S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Lotke
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D037001:Directive Counseling; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D049168:Pregnancy, Unplanned; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D016912:Levonorgestrel
keywords: Contraception; Contraception counseling; Family planning; Long-acting reversible contraception; Unintended pregnancy