Use of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Is Rising in U.S. Teens — But We Still Have Far to Go

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants are ideal for sexually active teens, as these forms of contraception are most effective and safe and least dependent on daily adherence. Federally funded researchers analyzed data from the 2005–2013 Family Planning Report (specifically from Title X sites, which provide family planning services to about 1 million teens yearly).

From 2005 through 2013, use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) increased from 0.4% to 7.1% (P<0.001). In 2013, 2.8% of teenaged girls seeking contraception used IUDs and 4.3% used implants. LARC uptake was higher among 18- to 19-year-olds than 15- to 17-year-olds and was heterogeneous by region: 26% of Colorado teens but only 0.7% of Mississippi teens used IUDs or im…