Long-Acting Reversible Contraception for Adolescents

In 2013 and 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publicized its recommendations for the use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) (including intrauterine devices and implants) as first-line, highly effective options for pregnancy prevention. The use of LARC by adolescents has had growing support by national health and women's health organizations. Ongoing research is beginning to uncover facilitators and barriers to LARC use in adolescents. The purpose of this column is to highlight two recent U.S.-based studies in which researchers examined perspectives related to and factors associated with LARC use in adolescent and young adult women.