Contraceptive Need, Counseling, and Provision at the Time of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination on a Catch-Up Schedule

Study ObjectiveHuman papillomavirus vaccination may be given on a catch-up schedule to individuals between 13-26 years of age. Young women receiving human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination during this time of adolescence and young adulthood may be at risk for pregnancy. We aimed to describe contraceptive need and contraceptive care for females at the time of HPV vaccination on a catch-up schedule.DesignWe performed a cross-sectional study of adolescents and young women who received HPV vaccination between June 2006 and May 2010.SettingUniversity of Illinois Health Sciences Center.ParticipantsFemales aged 13-26 years.Main Outcome MeasuresProportion of females receiving contraception counseling and provision at time of catch-up HPV vaccination. We used descriptive and chi-square statistics for analysis.Results507 females, mean age 22 years, received HPV vaccination in the study period. Initiation of heterosexual activity was documented for 472 (94%). Of those who were currently sexually active, 316 (80%) were using contraception. The majority of all subjects (76%) were counseled on contraception at vaccination. Sexually active females were more likely to be counseled than those who had not initiated sexual activity (77% vs 54%, P = .002). Those vaccinated in primary care clinics were more likely to be counseled than in colposcopy clinics (87% vs 36%, P < .001).ConclusionYoung women presenting for HPV vaccination are often at risk of pregnancy. Onset of sexual activity and clinical site were associated with contraceptive care. HPV vaccination represents an opportunity to improve access to contraceptive care.