‘Dramatically More’ Patients Are Choosing LARCs

By Joy Dickinson, AHC Media Executive Editor

When it comes to contraception, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are at the top of the heap in terms of growing popularity. According to the results of the 2015 Contraceptive Technology Update Contraception Survey, about 46% of respondents say they have seen "dramatically more" women choosing LARC methods, such as the intrauterine device (IUD) and contraceptive implant, in the last year.

It’s not surprising to most family planners and OB/GYNs that LARCs are so popular. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently strengthened its recommendation regarding use of LARC methods as the most effective and safe forms of reversible contraception.

Educating providers about LARCs and encouraging them to offer these methods to their patients might increase uptake. Research indicates that women who have heard of the IUD from their providers are more likely to be interested in it than women who have not.

"We have been offering IUDs to women for many years, and yes, we have definitely seen an increase in request and insertion of these methods," says Corinne Rovetti, APRN-BC, nurse practitioner at the Knoxville (TN) Center for Reproductive Health. "I believe the most significant reason being the Affordable Care Act coverage. Also, there has been a huge increased marketing of these methods."

For more on this story and other results of the CTU Contraception Survey, see the upcoming February issue of CTU.