[Contraception for young women with focus on long-acting, reversible contraceptives]

Abstract

Long-acting, reversible contraceptives are about 20 times more effective in terms of contraceptive efficacy than oral hormonal contraceptives, patch or vaginal ring are. Long-acting, reversible contraceptives are not associated with serious adverse events but induce changes in menstrual bleeding pattern in about 75% of the users. The progestogen intrauterine device is effective in the treatment of menor-rhagia and dysmenorrhoea. Increased use of long-acting reversible contraceptives is expected to reduce unplanned pregnancies and legal abortions in all ages. Concomitant use of barrier methods is important to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.