Improving IUD Usage Among Adolescents Through Provider Education

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to develop curriculum guidelines for nurse practitioner programs to use when teaching NP students about intrauterine device (IUD) use in adolescents. About 50% of all pregnancies that are conceived each year in the United States are unplanned, and teenagers have the highest rates of unintended pregnancy of all sexually active age groups. Eighty-two percent of teen pregnancies are unintended and many teenage mothers report that they were not using contraception at the time of conception. Modern IUDs are among the most effective forms of long acting reversible contraception. They have a high rate of user satisfaction and are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. In 2017, most major women’s health organizations recommend that intrauterine devices be used as first-line methods of birth control for adolescents. By introducing a curriculum that includes didactic, skills, and simulation portions, educators can ensure that nurse practitioners go into practice with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and counseling abilities to safely and effectively provide IUDs to the adolescent population.