Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
Volume 23, Issue 3 , Pages 123-128, June 2010

IUDs and Adolescents—An Under-Utilized Opportunity for Pregnancy Prevention

  • Sophia Yen, MD MPH

      Affiliations

    • Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, California
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to: Sophia Yen MD MPH c/o LPCH/Stanford Division of Adolescent Medicine 1174 Castro St. Suite 250 Mountain View CA 94040
    • ,
  • Tammy Saah, MA

      Affiliations

    • School of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
    • ,
  • Paula J. Adams Hillard, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California

published online 06 November 2009.

Abstract 

Most pregnancies in adolescents are unintended and preventable if contraception were utilized. IUDs provide an under-utilized highly effective form of contraception. IUDs are appropriate for nulliparous women, including adolescents. IUDs do not increase: the incidence of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease after the 1st month of insertion, the odds of infertility, nor rate of ectopic pregnancy. Adolesecnts need more education about and increased access to IUDs. Practical points regarding IUD selection and insertion in adolescents are reviewed, including pain prophylaxis, anticipatory guidance, side effects and complications. In summary, IUDs are safe for contraception in most adolescents. IUDs are effective and eliminate the need for ongoing adherence and thus have the potential to decrease unplanned pregnancies.

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PII: S1083-3188(09)00305-2

doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2009.09.004

Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
Volume 23, Issue 3 , Pages 123-128, June 2010

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