Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives: An Important Approach to Reduce Unintended Pregnancies - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2016;38(5):207-209
Unintended pregnancies are a major public health concern worldwide. In Brazil, as much as 55% of pregnancies are unplanned. Unplanned pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of maternal, neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality. It also reduces educational and career opportunities for mothers, and it may contribute to socioeconomic deprivation and widening income disparities. The total cost attributed to unplanned pregnancy in Brazil is estimated to be R$ 4.1 billion (roughly US$ 1.85 billion) annually.
Part of the high rate of unplanned pregnancies may be due to the relatively low use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), specifically contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Less than 2% of Brazilian women who take contraceptives use LARCs. By comparison, in the UK, LARCs are used by 31% of women using contraceptives, and the rate of unplanned pregnancies there is estimated to be 16.2%. There are many reasons for the low prevalence rate of women using LARCs in Brazil, some of which are: only one type of LARC is available for free in the public health system (copper IUD); a lack of training in LARC methods in the majority of the obstetrics and gynecology residence programs; and biased information and inadequate counseling on LARCs being offered by some healthcare providers.
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Unintended pregnancies are a major public health concern worldwide. In Brazil, as much as 55% of pregnancies are unplanned. Unplanned pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of maternal, neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality. It also reduces educational and career opportunities for mothers, and it may contribute to socioeconomic deprivation and widening income disparities. The total cost attributed to unplanned pregnancy in Brazil is estimated to be R$ 4.1 billion (roughly US$ 1.85 billion) annually.
Part of the high rate of unplanned pregnancies may be due to the relatively low use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), specifically contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Less than 2% of Brazilian women who take contraceptives use LARCs. By comparison, in the UK, LARCs are used by 31% of women using contraceptives, and the rate of unplanned pregnancies there is estimated to be 16.2%. There are many reasons for the low prevalence rate of women using LARCs in Brazil, some of which are: only one type of LARC is available for free in the public health system (copper IUD); a lack of training in LARC methods in the majority of the obstetrics and gynecology residence programs; and biased information and inadequate counseling on LARCs being offered by some healthcare providers.
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