IUD, Implant, More Effective than the Pill
By: Charlotte Ames
Updated: May 23, 2012
The birth control pill is the most popular form of contraception in the United States, but it may not be the most effective.
A new study finds long-acting reversible contraception is superior to the pill, patch, or ring, when it comes to eliminating unintended pregnancies.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine analyzed the birth control practices of nearly 7500 women. They found the contraceptive failure rate among those using pills, a transdermal patch, or a vaginal ring was about 20 times higher than those using long-acting reversible contraception, like an intrauterine device or an implant.
Researchers say long-acting reversible contraception may help decrease the more than 3 million unintended pregnancies every year in the United States.
IUDs can last five to ten years. Hormonal implants in the upper arm can last for three years.
These methods may have the lowest failure rate, but they're not very popular.
Many women can't afford the up front costs, which can be more than $500.
A new study finds long-acting reversible contraception is superior to the pill, patch, or ring, when it comes to eliminating unintended pregnancies.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine analyzed the birth control practices of nearly 7500 women. They found the contraceptive failure rate among those using pills, a transdermal patch, or a vaginal ring was about 20 times higher than those using long-acting reversible contraception, like an intrauterine device or an implant.
Researchers say long-acting reversible contraception may help decrease the more than 3 million unintended pregnancies every year in the United States.
IUDs can last five to ten years. Hormonal implants in the upper arm can last for three years.
These methods may have the lowest failure rate, but they're not very popular.
Many women can't afford the up front costs, which can be more than $500.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.