Intrauterine Devices: Effective Contraception with Noncontraceptive Benefits for Adolescents

J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2019 Sep;32(5S):S2-S6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2019.07.001.

Abstract

Although adolescent pregnancy and birth rates have been declining since the early 1990s, the rate of intrauterine device (IUD) use in adolescents remain low. IUDs are a highly effective contraceptive method with a failure rate of less than 1%. There are currently 5 IUDs available and marketed in the United States: the nonhormonal copper-containing IUD (Paragard Copper T380A; Ortho-McNeil) and 4 hormonal levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUDs). IUDs can be used in adolescents, and the LNG-IUD has many noncontraceptive benefits including the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain/endometriosis, and endometrial hyperplasia/endometrial cancer. In addition, the LNG-IUD is an effective tool for suppression of menses.

Keywords: Adolescents; Contraception; Intrauterine devices.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Contraception / statistics & numerical data*
  • Contraceptive Agents, Female / therapeutic use*
  • Dysmenorrhea / drug therapy
  • Endometriosis / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intrauterine Devices / classification*
  • Menorrhagia / drug therapy
  • Menstruation / drug effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence / prevention & control

Substances

  • Contraceptive Agents, Female