Effect of contraceptive choice on rapid repeat pregnancy

Contraception. 2019 Mar;99(3):184-186. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2018.11.008. Epub 2018 Nov 22.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the prevalence of rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP), defined as repeat pregnancy within 18 months of delivery, in a large health system and to determine the impact of contraceptive method on RRP.

Study design: Retrospective cohort.

Results: The prevalence of RRP among patients who delivered in August 2014 (n=804) was 27.2%. After controlling for age and sociodemographic characteristics, women experiencing RRP were less likely to have used long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24-0.85, p=.014; RRP in 19% of implant and 18% of IUD users)] and more likely to have been prescribed a progestin-only pill (aOR 5.106, 95% CI 2.157-12.083, p<.001; RRP in 53% of users) compared to women choosing all other reversible contraceptive methods.

Conclusions: Postpartum LARC decreases the odds of RRP, while a prescription for progestin-only pills is not protective.

Keywords: Long-acting reversible contraception; Postpartum LARC; Postpartum contraception; Rapid repeat pregnancy; Unintended pregnancy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Contraception / methods*
  • Contraception Behavior
  • Contraceptive Agents, Female / administration & dosage
  • Decision Making
  • Drug Implants
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intrauterine Devices
  • Logistic Models
  • Long-Acting Reversible Contraception
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Postpartum Period*
  • Pregnancy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sterilization, Reproductive
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Contraceptive Agents, Female
  • Drug Implants