Postpartum use of long-acting reversible contraception in a military treatment facility

To determine the rate at which long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is desired immediately postpartum and utilized within 12 weeks of delivery at our institution.

This prospective cohort study analyzed 400 consecutive postpartum patients between January 2009 and March 2009. We followed contraceptive desire prior to discharge and actual contraception utilized within 12 weeks postpartum. Patient demographics and LARC utilization was analyzed to determine characteristics predictive of use.

There was complete follow-up information on 329 (82.3%) of the studied women. Thirty-three percent (132/400) desired LARC immediately postpartum, and overall LARC utilization at 12 weeks was 31% (100/329). Demographic characteristics predictive of LARC desire and utilization included age <25 years (adjusted RR=1.53, 95% CI 1.17-1.92) and African-American ethnicity (adjusted RR=1.39, 95% CI 1.03-1.78).

In our institution, LARC is highly desired and utilized within 12 weeks postpartum with African-American ethnicity and age <25 years predictive of use.