The Fastest Growing Birth Control Method

More U.S. women are relying on long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) — including contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices — for birth control, according to a recent National Health Statistics Report.

LARC use has nearly quadrupled since 2002 and the current report suggests this trend will continue.

“LARC methods are more convenient for women and highly effective,” said Jeffrey T. Jensen, MD, MPH, vice chair for research in obstetrics and gynecology at Oregon Health & Science University, and editor of OB/GYN Clinical Alert. “As more women in a population gain experience with LARC methods, the demand grows. While we like to believe our educational efforts have helped, it shows that when women are given the best information, they make great choices.”

Contraceptive choices change over time based on new methods and societal influences. Two AHC Media publications — OB/GYN Clinical Alert and Contraceptive Technology Update — provide the latest information on contraceptive methods, including LARCs.

See the December 2015 OB/GYN Clinical Alert for a special feature on postpartum LARC insertion.