Obstetrician-gynecologists and contraception: practice and opinions about the use of IUDs in nulliparous women, adolescents and other patient populations.

Use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) by US women is low despite their suitability for most women of reproductive age and in a variety of clinical contexts. This study examined obstetrician-gynecologists' practices and opinions about the use of IUDs in adolescents, nulliparous women and other patient groups, as well as for emergency contraception. A survey questionnaire was sent to a computer-generated sample of 3000 fellows who were reflective of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (College) membership. After exclusions from the 1552 returned surveys (51.7% response rate), 1150 eligible questionnaires were analyzed. Almost all obstetrician-gynecologists (95.8%) reported providing IUDs, but only 66.8% considered nulliparous women, and 43.0% considered adolescents appropriate candidates. Even among obstetrician-gynecologists who recalled reading a College publication about IUDs, only 78.0% and 45.0% considered nulliparous women and adolescents appropriate candidates, respectively. Few respondents (16.1%) had recommended the copper IUD as emergency contraception, and only 73.9% agreed that the copper IUD could be used as emergency contraception. A total of 67.3% of respondents agreed that an IUD can be inserted immediately after an abortion or miscarriage. Fewer (43.5%) agreed that an IUD can be inserted immediately postpartum, and very few provide these services (11.4% and 7.2%, respectively). Staying informed about practice recommendations for long-acting reversible contraception was associated with broader provision of IUDs. Although most obstetrician-gynecologists offer IUDs, many exclude appropriate candidates for IUD use, both for emergency contraception and for long-term use, despite evidence-based recommendations. This study shows that obstetrician-gynecologists still do not offer IUDs to appropriate candidates, such as nulliparous women and adolescents, and rarely provide the copper IUD as emergency contraception.

Luchowski AT ，Anderson BL ，Power ML ，Raglan GB ，Espey E ，Schulkin J ... -  《-》

Obstetrician-gynecologists and contraception: long-acting reversible contraception practices and education.

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) - the copper and levonorgestrel intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the single-rod implant - are safe and effective but account for a small proportion of contraceptive use by US women. This study examined obstetrician-gynecologists' knowledge, training, practice and beliefs regarding LARC methods. A survey questionnaire was mailed to 3000 Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. After exclusions, 1221 eligible questionnaires were analyzed (45.8% response rate, accounting for exclusions). Almost all obstetrician-gynecologists reported providing IUDs (95.8%). Most obstetrician-gynecologists reported requiring two or more visits for IUD insertion (86.9%). Respondents that reported IUD insertion in a single visit reported inserting a greater number of IUDs in the last year. About half reported offering the single-rod implant (51.3%). A total of 92.0% reported residency training on IUDs, and 50.8% reported residency training on implants. Residency training and physician age correlated with the number of IUDs inserted in the past year. A total of 59.6% indicated receiving continuing education on at least one LARC method in the past 2years. Recent continuing education was most strongly associated with implant insertion, and 31.7% of respondents cited lack of insertion training as a barrier. Barriers to LARC provision could be reduced if more obstetrician-gynecologists received implant training and provided same-day IUD insertion. Continuing education will likely increase implant provision. This study shows that obstetrician-gynecologists generally offer IUDs, but fewer offer the single-rod contraceptive implant. Recent continuing education strongly predicted whether obstetrician-gynecologists inserted implants and was also associated with other practices that encourage LARC use.

Luchowski AT ，Anderson BL ，Power ML ，Raglan GB ，Espey E ，Schulkin J ... -  《-》

Implementing best practices for the provision of long-acting reversible contraception: a survey of obstetrician-gynecologists.

To examine obstetrician-gynecologists' practices regarding provision of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods same-day, immediately postpartum, or to women under age 21. Between August 2016 and March 2017, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) sent 2500 of their members an electronic survey questionnaire regarding the provision of LARC methods. ACOG mailed nonresponders paper surveys. After exclusions, the final sample was 1280 respondents (52.2% response rate). Although 91% of obstetrician-gynecologists reported providing IUDs, only 29% (95% CI, 26-32%) offered same-day placement. Ninety-two percent (95% CI, 90-94%) offered IUDs to eligible patients under age 21. Nineteen percent (95% CI, 16.1-21.3%) offered immediate postpartum IUD placement and 21% (95% CI, 18-23%) offered immediate postpartum implant placement. Obstetrician-gynecologists practicing in states where Medicaid reimbursed for immediate postpartum LARC devices within the global fee for delivery (versus separate reimbursement) had lower odds of offering them. While most ob-gyns are offering IUDs to women under age 21, many are still not offering them same-day. A minority of ob-gyns offer either IUDs or implants immediately postpartum, and there are important geographic and practice setting disparities in this practice. Efforts to align LARC practices with published evidence and improve access to LARC methods for women desiring them will require a multipronged effort including continuing education of physicians, patient education and outreach, as well as advocacy to improve insurance coverage and reimbursement.

Castleberry NM ，Stark L ，Schulkin J ，Grossman D ... -  《-》

Obstetrician-gynecologists and the intrauterine device: a survey of attitudes and practice.

Stanwood NL ，Garrett JM ，Konrad TR 《OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY》

Oral and IUD emergency contraception provision among a national sample of obstetrician-gynecologists.

To assess obstetrician-gynecologists' practices related to emergency contraception (EC). We performed a survey of ACOG Fellows and Junior Fellows between August 2016 and March 2017. The final sample was 1280 respondents (52.2% response rate). The majority (84%) reported offering at least one form of EC, with 18% offering ulipristal acetate and 29% offering copper IUDs. Fifty-seven percent of those offering IUDs reported recommending them in the last 12 months. Few had placed IUDs for EC. Half of ob-gyns reported not recommending copper IUDs because patients rarely seek EC. Many obstetrician-gynecologists are not offering the most effective forms of EC. Both patients and clinicians need more outreach about the most effective methods of emergency contraception.

Castleberry NM ，Stark L ，Schulkin J ，Grossman D ... -  《-》