Highly Effective Reversible Contraception Has Staying Power to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Unintended pregnancies cost U.S. taxpayers approximately $11 billion each year. In the Contraceptive CHOICE project, investigators offered contraceptive options at no cost to participants (9256 Saint Louis women aged 14 to 45; JW Womens Health Oct 11 2012). Levonorgestrel intrauterine devices (IUDs) were requested by 46% of participants, copper IUDs by 12%, and subdermal implants by 17%.

Among all women who selected one of these highly effective reversible contraceptives, 12-month continuation rates were >80%. In contrast, women who selected other methods were less satisfied and had significantly lower 12-month continuation rates (47% for teens and 56% for women 20 or older). During 5 years of follow-up, abortion rates in the CHOICE cohort w…