Contraception for the Long Haul

Although intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants are gaining in popularity, little data exist regarding continuation out to 2 years. For this study from the CHOICE project (in which free contraception was provided to women [age range, 14–45] in the St. Louis area between 2007 and 2011), investigators assessed continued use of a chosen contraceptive method for 2 years in 6153 participants.

At 2 years, 77% of users of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) versus 41% of non-LARC users were still using their chosen methods. Stratified by specific method, 2-year continuation rates were as follows:

• Levonorgestrel intrauterine system: 79%

• Copper IUD: 77%

• Implant: 68%

• Oral contraceptive pills: 43%

• Vaginal ring: 41%

• Patch: 40%

• Depot medroxyprogestero…