Determinants of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) use by adolescent girls and young women

Abstract

Despite reliability and long-term use being important advantages, fear of pain and needles make LARCs less appealing to young people. Current LARCs meet some, but not all expectations of adolescents and young women.

‘But you can't reverse a hysterectomy!’ Perceptions of long acting reversible contraception (LARC) among young women aged 16–24 years: a qualitative study

“…However some advantages were noted: 'With the implant I don't have to go anywhere…I don't have to think about everything else…like my god I haven't taken the pill, my god I haven't bought condoms.' (Age [18][19] When women were shown an implant it was smaller than they originally thought and some women couldn't comprehend how it worked which developed into a level of mistrust in the method.…”

“…(Age [18][19] Written information was seen as a useful back up to wordof-mouth as was the internet although there were some issues with which websites could be trusted. TV programmes and monthly magazines were also noted as useful sources.…”

“…14e25 However, several issues systematically appear in literature as barriers to LARC initiation. LARC, particularly the intrauterine devices are often described as invasive 19,21,22 and women are often poorly informed about side-effects resulting in poor uptake. 17,18,20 Some studies report that women receive inaccurate information on LARC from friends and family and this can negatively impact on their contraceptive choice.…”

How Much Can Expanding Access to Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives Reduce Teen Birth Rates?

“…First, teens may be unaware that LARCs are a viable option. Second, there may be misconceptions about safety and protecting against sexually transmitted diseases (Bharadwaj et al 2012). Third, insertion is uncomfortable and sometimes painful, and LARCs may cause side effects, such as menstrual pain and bleeding, spotting, headaches, nausea, and mood changes.…”

Birth controls (contraceptive) methods and human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infections risk perception among Namibian university students

“…1 The most important factor influencing the choice of contraceptive method among young people is its efficacy in prevention of pregnancy while the least important is the possibility of altering the menstrual pattern. 2 The most important factor influencing the choice of contraceptive methods among young people show that STIs might not be a priority in their contraception. Therefore the contraceptive users might be more predisposed to STIs including HIV.…”