The purpose of this study is to see how often women who come to a family planning clinic for emergency contraception, the morning after pill, are willing to use either the copper IUD or the levonorgestrel IUD. The investigators will also see if pregnancies occur in those choosing the levonorgestrel IUD and if people continue to use the IUD for 1 year.
Widely available oral levonorgestrel (LNG) for emergency contraception (EC) has not reduced unplanned pregnancy rates. However, our study of the copper T380 IUD vs. oral LNG for EC showed lower pregnancy rates 12 months after presenting for EC in the copper IUD group. Because there is a strong preference for the LNG IUD among women offered the IUD, the objective of this research project is to initiate investigation into, and use of the LNG IUD in the setting of EC. Our experienced team of EC researchers proposes the following aims to provide needed information in this understudied area: Aim 1: To assess uptake of the LNG IUD vs. the copper IUD among women presenting for EC exposed to standardized counseling. Aim 2: Gather baseline data on one-year continuation and pregnancy rates from women initiating the LNG IUD vs. the copper T380 IUD when presenting for EC. Aim 3: Assess willingness of women presenting for EC to participate in a future randomized controlled trial comparing the LNG IUD vs. the copper T380 IUD for EC. The study aims will be accomplished with a prospective observational trial of women who choose either method of EC. The investigative team will recruit 180 women who present for EC at two participating family planning clinics and follow study participants for 12 months. This project will compare continuation and pregnancy rates between LNG and copper IUD users in the year following presentation for EC. This proposal is another aspect in our growing research program offering highly effective contraception at the time of EC presentation. Results of this project will direct future study in this area aimed at reducing population unplanned pregnancy rates among EC users with the potential to inform a future RCT of the LNG vs. copper IUD for EC.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
188
Planned Parenthood Association of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Pregnancy rates in first month after IUD insertion
Participants will have a urine pregnancy test at the clinic. They will also be given a home urine pregnancy test to check if they are not able to return to clinic and will give results by phone or electronic communication.
Time frame: 4 weeks
1 Year IUD continuation rates
IUD continuation rates will be compared between those who selected the copper IUD and thos who selected the levonorgestrel IUD
Time frame: 1 year
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