Providing LARCs to Young Women

Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants. These methods are safe, effective, and reversible, require little to no maintenance, are cost-effective over time, and have much better compliance rates than other hormonal methods. For these reasons, they are ideal for many women, especially young women who wish to delay or avoid pregnancy for at least three years. Yet fewer than nine percent of women in the United States who use contraception use an IUD and less than one percent use contraceptive implants. However, communities around the country are developing new strategies and creative initiatives to improve access to these methods. Youth-serving professionals, educators, and health care providers can play an important role in helping to dispel myths among youth people so that they can make informed decisions about contraception and choose the best option for them.