Long-acting reversible contraception access
Program basics
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants that can prevent pregnancy for 3–10 years
- Better than 99% effective, higher effectiveness rate than other birth control alternatives
- Can be used safely by teens and adults
- Often available at low or no cost through family planning sites and other sources of care
Strength of evidence
Evidence level: Strong (second-highest tier)
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Strong (second-highest tier)
Ranked as having the second-highest level of evidence by County Health Rankings and Roadmaps
Target population
Community-wide
Program cost
Variable
Implementation locations
- Nationwide
Dates active
Not available
Outcomes and impact
- Increased utilization of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
- Reduced unintended pregnancies
- Increased trainings for medical professionals to performing these services
- Increased monitoring of reproductive health in primary care settings
- Long-term satisfaction with LARC methods
Keys to successful implementation
- Note: This content is under review
- Programs using this strategy should bridge gaps in contraceptive provision. For example, target same-day contraception access in clinics and hospitals instead of multiple follow-ups at later dates.
- Successful programs conduct training for practitioners that cover not only medical procedures but also counseling and information with respect to contraceptive options and how they work to prevent pregnancy
- Partnerships with health centers and health care providers facilitate the integration of reproductive and contraceptive health care as part of primary health care
- Partnerships with community health workers allow identification of community needs and prioritization of resources
- Media coverage can be leveraged to expand reach of information
- Sociocultural stigma and inadequate funding for already under-resourced communities are the biggest barriers that prevent participation in contraceptive access programs