The Latest in Teen Pregnancy Prevention: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception

Teen pregnancy is prevalent in the United States and has a number of potential negative outcomes. The most effective contraceptives available, known as long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), were recently approved for use in adolescents. LARC devices, including the intrauterine device and subdermal implant, are currently recommended as the first-line contraceptive for all women, including adolescents. Despite this recommendation, current LARC use in the adolescent population remains low. A number of barriers to LARC use in adolescents have been identified, including cost, provider knowledge, and patient education. It is important that nurse practitioners providing care to adolescents are knowledgeable of LARC methods and consistently recommend these devices as the first-line contraceptive to all patients desiring contraception because of their high efficacy, safety, and continuation rates. This article discusses LARC benefits, adverse effects, considerations, barriers to access, and implications for nursing practice.