Not seeking yet trying long-acting reversible contraception: a 24-month randomized trial on continuation, unintended pregnancy and satisfaction

Contraception. 2018 Jun;97(6):524-532. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2018.02.001. Epub 2018 Feb 19.

Abstract

Objectives: To measure the 24-month impact on continuation, unintended pregnancy and satisfaction of trying long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in a population seeking short-acting reversible contraception (SARC).

Study design: We enrolled 916 women aged 18-29 who were seeking pills or injectables in a partially randomized patient preference trial. Women with strong preferences for pills or injectables started on those products, while others opted for randomization to LARC or SARC and received their methods gratis. We estimated continuation and unintended pregnancy rates through 24months. Intent-to-treat principles were applied after method initiation for comparing incidence of unintended pregnancy. We also examined how satisfaction levels varied by cohort and how baseline negative LARC attitudes were associated with satisfaction over time.

Results: Forty-three percent chose randomization, and 57% chose the preference option. Complete loss to follow-up was<2%. The 24-month LARC continuation probability was 64.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 56.6-70.9], statistically higher than SARC groups [25.5% (randomized) and 40.0% (preference)]. The 24-month cumulative unintended pregnancy probabilities were 9.9% (95% CI: 7.2-12.6) (preference-SARC), 6.9% (95% CI: 3.3-10.6) (randomized-SARC) and 3.6% (95% CI: 1.8-6.4) (randomized-LARC). Statistical tests for comparing randomized groups on unintended pregnancy were mixed: binomial at 24-month time point (p=.02) and log-rank survival probabilities (p=.14 for first pregnancies and p=.07 when including second pregnancies). LARC satisfaction was high (80% happy/neutral, 73% would use LARC again, 81% would recommend to a friend). Baseline negative attitudes toward LARC (27%) were not clearly associated with satisfaction or early discontinuation.

Conclusions: The decision to try LARC resulted in high continuation rates and substantial protection from unintended pregnancy over 24months. Despite participants' initial desires to begin short-acting regimens, they had high satisfaction with LARC. Voluntary decisions to try LARC will benefit large proportions of typical SARC users.

Implications: Even women who do not necessarily view LARC as a first choice may have a highly satisfying experience and avoid unintended pregnancy if they try it.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01299116.

Keywords: Acceptability, contraceptive continuation; Adherence; Long-acting reversible contraception; Randomized; Unintended pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Contraceptive Agents, Female / administration & dosage
  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Long-Acting Reversible Contraception / methods*
  • Long-Acting Reversible Contraception / psychology
  • Long-Acting Reversible Contraception / statistics & numerical data
  • Patient Preference
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Unplanned*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Contraceptive Agents, Female
  • Contraceptives, Oral

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01299116