By Kate H. Rademacher, Tabitha Sripipatana, Kendal Danna, Deborah Sitrin, Aurélie Brunie, Katie M. Williams, Kayode Afolabi, Francia Rasoanirina, Saumya Ramarao, Anne Pfitzer, Devon Cain, Morgan Simon, Elaine Menotti, Anna Hazelwood, Anthony Adindu Nwala, Zainab Saidu, Raveena Chowdhury, Anne Taiwo, Agnes Chidanyika, Gathari Ndirangu, Markus J. Steiner, Marie Chantale Lepine, Rick Homan, Abdulmumin Saad, John Vivalo and Laneta J. Dorflinger
In 2015, a global learning agenda for the hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) was developed with priority research questions regarding use of the method in low-and middle-income countries. Members of the Hormonal IUD Access Group aligned on a strategy to expand access in the context of volunteerism and contraceptive method choice. This article synthesizes evidence generated since then and describes steps taken to address demand- and supply-side barriers to access. Findings demonstrated high continuation rates and satisfaction among hormonal IUD users that are comparable to other long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). Studies suggest that women did not see the hormonal IUD as interchangeable with other LARC options and thus it may fill an important niche in the market.
