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Half of all pregnancies each year in the United States are unintended (Finer, 2011). These may follow contraceptive method failure or stem from lack of contraceptive use. Specifically, 10 percent of sexually active American women not pursuing pregnancy did not use any birth control method (Jones, 2012). And, for sexually active fertile women not using contraception, pregnancy rates approach 90 percent at 1 year.
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For those seeking contraception, various effective contraceptive methods are available. Preferences of United States women are shown in Table 38-1. With these methods, wide variations are seen between estimated failure rates of perfect and typical use during the first year. Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has grouped methods according to effectiveness tiers that reflect these failure rates (Table 38-2). Implants and intrauterine devices are found in the top tier. They are effective in lowering unintended pregnancy rates and are considered long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) (Winner, 2012). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2013c) recognizes these efficacy tiers and the high unintended pregnancy rate. Thus, the College recommends that clinicians provide counseling on all options and encourages highly effective LARC for all appropriate candidates.
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