Use Of Long-Term, Reversible Contraception Is Increasing Among US Teens, But Experts Say Numbers Are Still Low.

The number of teens using long-term contraceptive methods are increasing, but according to studies, the numbers are still low. According to a U.S. government statement, the trend pertaining to sexually active teens using reversible forms of contraception are now changing. Furthermore, the statistics collated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, there have been an increase in the use of long-acting birth control methods by teens aged 15-19 years, from 1 percent in 2005 to 7 percent in 2013.

CDC's principal deputy director, Ileana Arias, said that they are actually encouraging teens who have not had sex to wait. For sexually active teens, she iterates the importance of making an informed choice regarding their sex practices. "We want them to think about the most effective types of birth control, and ask their doctor or family planning counselor about long-acting reversible contraception as well as about other options," she said.

Examples of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods include intrauterine devices, or IUDs, and hormonal implants. According to the CDC, these devices have been proven to be effective with a pregnancy rate of only one percent during the first year of use.

The report, which was published online in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, also states that there is a continuous declination in the incidence of teen births across the United States. According to records, teen births have even reached its all-time low in 2013. Approximately 90 percent of these teens admit that they used a birth control method during their last sexual intercourse.

Although there is a decrease in teen birth incidence within the U.S., CDC said that worldwide records show that U.S. numbers are still seven times higher compared to the incidence of other developed countries. This is supported by statistics stating that there are more than 273,000 babies born to teenage mothers in 2013.

According to the CDC, the most common contraceptive methods used by teens are condoms and birth control pills, However, experts warn that incorrect usage of these methods may still result in unwanted pregnancy, compared to IUDs and implants. IUDs and implants are said to be the most effective forms of reversible contraception.

This is because it eliminates inconsistencies and inaccuracies associated with the administration of birth control pills and wearing of condoms. Furthermore, researchers from CDC notes that IUDs and implants may last for three to 10 years, depending on the type.

However, Arias said that these devices can protect against sexually transmitted infection, such as HIV, as condoms is the best method for that. Although IUDs and implants are reported to be most effective, several issues are preventing most doctors from prescribing these devices to teens.

Foremost, most teens do not have adequate knowledge regarding the usage, effects and other pertinent information against IUD and implants. Secondly, it entails high medical costs, and the safety and appropriateness for teens are still under question. Lastly, the CDC said that not all doctors are trained to perform insertion and removal of these devices.

Dr Vanessa Cullins, vice president for external medical affairs at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, also agrees on the effectivity and issues stated by the CDC surrounding the teen use of implants and IUDs. She also adds that although these devices can be obtained through health insurance, most teens do not want their parents to find out.

"High upfront cost can make it prohibitive for teens who are trying to pay for it out-of-pocket. The problem with insurance is, if the teen is on the parent's insurance, then the parent will find out about the placement of the IUD or implant,” she said. Cullins also adds that it is essential for parents and teens to talk about these matters so sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies can be prevented.

The CDC report involved 7.5 millions female teenagers aged between 15 and 19 years who came to federally funded family planning organisations to seek for advice regarding birth control. Such centers said that IUDs and implants are covered. As per the Affordable Care Act, birth control is funded and fully paid for under the expanded Medicaid.

According to Arias, other organisations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG, and the American Academy of Pediatrics also recommend the use of long-acting reversible contraception for teens. Dr. Hal Lawrence, chief executive officer and executive vice president of ACOG, affirms that long-term reversible birth control methods are safe and are the most effective option for all women in their reproductive age, including teens. "We firmly believe that increased adoption of these methods can play a role in reducing unintended pregnancy," Lawrence closes.

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