Clinical Guidelines and Recomendations

 

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Recommendations regarding Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

"Although lowering unintended pregnancy rates requires multiple approaches, individual obstetrician–gynecologists may contribute by increasing access to LARC methods for their patients. The following strategies can reduce barriers and increase use of implants and IUDs:

  • Provide counseling on all contraceptive options, including implants and IUDs, even if the patient initially states a preference for a specific contraceptive method.
  • Encourage implants and IUDs for all appropriate candidates, including nulliparous women and adolescents.
  • Adopt same-day insertion protocols. Screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and cervical cancer should not be required before implant or IUD insertion but may be obtained on the day of insertion, if indicated.
  • Avoid unnecessary delays, such as waiting to initiate a method until after a postabortion or miscarriage follow-up visit or to time insertion with menses.
  • Support efforts to lower the up-front costs of LARC methods.
  • Advocate for coverage of all contraceptive methods by all insurance plans, both private and public.
  • Become familiar with and support local, state, federal (including Medicaid), and private programs that improve affordability of all contraceptive methods, including implants and IUDs."

Source: http://www.acog.org/Resources_And_Publications/Committee_Opinions/Committee_on_Gynecologic_Practice/Increasing_Use_of_Contraceptive_Implants_and_Intrauterine_Devices_To_Reduce_Unintended_Pregnancy


ACOG Committee Opinion and Practice Bulletins regarding IUDs/LARCs

Visit the ACOG LARC website to access the Committee Opinions and associated PowerPoint presentations.


Federal Clinical Guidance

​CDC.gov (www.cdc.gov) is your online source for credible health information and is the official Web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


Additional Resources