Exploring Trends in Intrauterine Device (IUD) Usage Among Women in the United States: A Literature Review

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) have not been popular contraceptives in the US for the past 40 years. Recent evidence, however, has shown a slight rebirth in use, from a rate of approximately 2% in 2002 to over 5% in 2008 (Guttmacher Institute, 2010). Empirical evidence is favorable of IUD use in most women, but the still-low usage rate suggests practice has not caught up with theory. A literature review was conducted to explore and synthesize current trends of IUD use in the US. Factors associated with likelihood of use are country of origin, age, provider attitudes and training, and setting in which an IUD is sought. Lack of knowledge of potential users is also considered a barrier to the perpetuation of IUD use. Health educators can increase IUD knowledge and awareness among providers and potential users through programs that target cognitive and affective domains of learning. In addition, health educators can play a role in IUD insertion training programs. Health educators can use social marketing principles to create public awareness of the safety and efficacy of IUDs, bridging the gap that still exists between the promotion of IUDs in the scientific literature and the continued negative perception among the general population.