Outcomes of a two-visit protocol for long acting reversible contraception for adolescents and young adults

Abstract

Objectives: To examine outcomes of a 2-visit protocol for placement of intrauterine or subdermal contraception.

Study design: We identified all women ages 15 to 27 who received an order for an intrauterine or subdermal contraceptive between January 2014-December 2016. We examined time from order to contraceptive placement and reasons for incomplete orders.

Results: We identified 1,192 unique patients who received 1,323 orders for intrauterine or subdermal contraceptives; 68% were completed at a second visit. The median time from order to placement was 22 days (interquartile range = 15-35). Of incomplete orders, 41% were related to logistics of a subsequent visit. Twenty-eight percent of patients had a subsequent pregnancy within the study period.

Conclusions: Efforts to provide same-day access for all contraceptive methods are needed.

Keywords: Access; Adolescent; Contraception; Federally Qualified Health Center; Long-Acting Reversible Contraception; Pregnancy; Young Adults.