Skip to main content
eScholarship
Open Access Publications from the University of California

University Library

Norma J. Lang Prize for Undergraduate Information Research bannerUC Davis

Other options do exist: A review of access to long acting reversible contraceptives

Abstract

One of the most effective methods for preventing pregnancy is use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), however this form of contraception is not the most commonly used among women. The low prevalence of LARCs can be explained by limited access due to women’s and physicians’ misconceptions about the efficacy of and eligibility for the method. These misconceptions regarding LARCs likely originate from physicians not having adequate and updated training. Physicians can spread inaccurate information to patients during the patient-physician interaction which can persuade women against LARCs. Additionally, physicians might even refrain from offering LARCs. This results in women making an uninformed decision regarding their health. A shared-decision making (SDM) model, which incorporates patient preferences with medical knowledge, is currently being tested to reduce physician bias during the decision-making process of contraceptive counseling. However, because misconceptions appear to originate primarily with physicians, further research into physician education programs should be done to truly solve this problem.

Main Content
For improved accessibility of PDF content, download the file to your device.
Current View