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The Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) has changed its stance and is recommending intrauterine devices (IUDs) as the best form of contraceptive for teen girls.
In a statement released Thursday, the CPS looks at the pros and cons of each type of birth control method and provides healthcare providers with the strategies and tools to help them discuss suitable contraception methods to youth.
“In Canada, the only long-acting reversible contraception that we currently have is the intrauterine system (IUS) and the intrauterine devices, but providers are often under the misconception that they’re not safe to use in teenagers and we’re trying to get the message out that they are safe to use with teenagers,” explained Dr. Giosi Di Meglio, member of the CPS Adolescent Health Committee.
An IUD is a small, often T-shaped device implanted inside the uterus by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy. It stays in place over the course of several years but is removable at any time by a healthcare provider.
Its use is on the rise according to Planned Parenthood Regina.
It typically saw 4 patients a day who were requiring an IUD insertion, but in the past year, that number has grown to 8.
“We have a team that is addressing the need for improved IUD services and that includes the education required,” executive director Shelley Svedahl explained.
Svedahl isn’t surprised by the new position taken by the CPS, as it is seen as the safest and most cost-effective method of birth control.
“If you factor how much it costs for monthly birth control and even the worry about making sure you have a supply of birth control, it is a lot less worry,” Svedahl added.
This past April, Planned Parenthood Regina began increasing clinic hours, including evening appointments three days a week.
They also run public information sessions to inform and educate the public and patients.
Svedahl maintains the most important thing is for women to get informed about the choices available to them.
— With files from Canadian Press