Intrauterine devices in adolescents.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The stubborn epidemic of teen pregnancy remains a major public health problem in the United States. This review discusses the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) in United States teens as a potential strategy to reduce teen pregnancy. Traditionally, the IUD was not thought of as an appropriate teen contraceptive method.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recently, IUDs have become a recommended contraceptive option for adolescent females. This change reflects an understanding of the safety of modern IUDs, the potential for this highly effective method to reduce teen pregnancy, and the promotion of this strategy in teens by national organizations/governmental agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Current data do not support that IUDs affect long-term fertility or increase sexually transmitted diseases in teens.

SUMMARY: IUDs are now considered by many experts as a first-line contraceptive option for teens in the United States.