Loading...
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has updated its practice bulletin on the use and clinical management of long-acting reversible contraceptives. Based primarily on consensus and expert opinion, it concludes that intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants have few contraindications and can be considered for most women. Highlights of the bulletin are as follows:
Long-acting reversible contraceptives are extremely effective; first-year failure rates for typical use and perfect use are the same (<0.8%). Two IUDs (1 containing copper and the other levonorgestrel) and one subdermal implant (containing etonogestrel, the metabolite of the progestin desogestrel) are approved for use in the U.S. The copper and levonor…