IUDs and other long-lasting forms of birth control on the rise

Although they continue to be overshadowed by less-expensive, less-effective birth control methods, long-acting reversible contraceptives such as intrauterine devices are gaining ground, according to an analysis of recently released federal data.

Nearly 12 percent of women who used contraceptives between 2011 and 2013 used IUDs or hormonal implants, according to a Guttmacher Institute analysis of data from the federal National Survey of Family Growth.

That made these long-acting products the third-most-popular form of reversible contraception, behind birth control pills (26 percent) and condoms (15 percent).

The use of long-acting forms of contraception has been increasing steadily: It was 2.4 percent in 2002 and 8.5 percent in 2009, according to Guttmacher.

Long-acting contraceptives don't require women to use birth control every day or whenever they have sex. That makes them one of the most effective forms of contraception, preventing pregnancy in more than 99 percent of cases. IUDs last for up to 12 years, while hormonal implants protect against pregnancy for up to three years.

In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have been marketing long-acting products directly to women, raising awareness among patients.

In addition, influential organizations such as the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics have in recent years designated such products as first-line choices for birth control.

Cost has always been one of the barriers. With an IUD carrying a price tag of several hundred dollars, many women opted instead for methods that didn't require such high upfront spending, even though over time IUDs and implants may be less expensive than shorter-term methods.

Cost should no longer be a barrier for most women. The health law requires that most insurance plans provide all FDA-approved contraceptives to women without requiring any out-of-pocket payments. The provision generally took effect in 2013, so the impact of the law's requirements isn't reflected to any large degree in the study's figures, Kavanaugh says.

Over time, researchers expect this requirement to boost the use of long-acting contraceptives, she says.