Despite Uptick in Overall Use, Intrauterine Contraception Should Be Encouraged Among Teens

Although they face higher rates of undesired pregnancy, teens are less likely than older women to be offered intrauterine contraception. To assess rates of complications, discontinuation, and pregnancy following intrauterine device (IUD) placement in U.S. teens, investigators analyzed claims data from 90,489 privately insured women who received IUDs between 2002 and 2009. During this time, rates of IUD placement increased 10-fold among women of all ages; however, teens remained much less likely than those older than 25 to receive this form of contraception.

Overall, serious complications were uncommon (uterine perforation, 0.4 per 1000; pelvic inflammatory disease, 0.8 per 1000; ectopic pregnancy, 0.8 per 1000). Among women of all ages — but…