New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a substantial rise in the number of teens who use long-acting birth control methods, but experts say more awareness of and access to these highly-effective forms of contraception is needed. ideastream’s Anne Glausser has more.
The use of long-acting, reversible contraceptives, such as intrauterine devices or IUDs and beneath the skin implants, rose from 1% to 7% over the course of 2005-2013, according to new CDC analysis of data from federally funded family planning centers. Both IUDs and implants have a failure rate of less than 1%--significantly better than condoms and pills.
Teen pregnancies continue to decline in the U.S. since their peak in the 1990s. Still nearly 300,000 infants were born to teens age 15-19 in 2013. Experts say many teens still don’t get counseled on their availability and safety.
CDC Principal Deputy Director Ileana Arias says providers need to talk with sexually active teens about their options. “We need healthcare professionals to help us remove the barriers, increase awareness and access and availability. It is safe for teens, it’s easy to use and very effective, and depending on the method, we know that it works for 10 years without any action on the part of that teen,” she said.
While IUDs and implants have a higher upfront cost, that cost is covered in full under the Affordable Care Act.
For more information:
IUD and birth control implants FAQs from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Birth control coverage under the Affordable Care Act
Guttmacher Policy Review on “The Promise of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives for Adolescents”