Review articleMyths and Misconceptions About Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Section snippets
Myth: IUDs cause abortion
IUDs do not terminate a pregnancy. They prevent fertilization. The copper contained in the Paragard IUD is toxic to sperm and ova because of the production of cytotoxic peptides and other inflammatory markers. The levonorgestrel in Mirena increases cervical mucus and suppresses the endometrium [7]. Studies looking for “chemical pregnancies” with urine and serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin analysis in women using hormonal and nonhormonal IUDs have found none [25], [26], [27]. In addition,
Discussion
Female adolescents want and often need LARC. They are more likely to be adherent with LARC and thus avoid unintended pregnancy until they are ready for child-bearing. A recent prospective cohort study of women aged 14 to 45 found that women younger than 21 were twice as likely to have an unintended pregnancy on pills, patch, or ring as older women [98]. Indeed, both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Society of Family Planning support the use of LARC in nulliparous and
Acknowledgments
Drs. Russo and Miller have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Dr. Gold is on a speakers bureau for Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
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Publication of this article was funded by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.