Park Leys Medical Practice

Long- Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

At Park-Leys Practice we offer a wide choice of methods to prevent unplanned pregnancy. Methods range from the well known, such as the pill or condoms, through to less familiar types such as natural family planning and long-acting and reversible contraception known as LARCs.

• LARCs are over 99% effective.
• They do not interfere with sex.
• There are no oestrogen related side effects with the methods.
• They are suitable for breast feeding women.

What are they?
Contraceptives that are long-lasting and reversible are called Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs). Depending on which sort you use, they work from two or three months to three, five or even ten years. This means they take the daily hassle out of contraception. They are also reversible, if you decide you no longer want to use contraception.

There are four methods.

The Intrauterine System
This is a small device which sits inside your womb, releasing a small amount of progestogen directly into the womb where it’s needed. If you decide to use this method, a doctor or nurse will take about five minutes to place an intrauterine system inside you, and it lasts for five years. Your doctor or nurse can remove the intrauterine system (IUS) at any time, and you could quickly be able to become pregnant.

• Who can use it? You can use the intrauterine system at any age.
• How well does it work? The intrauterine system is more than 99% effective.
• What side effects can there be? You may notice light and/or irregular bleeding for the first six months or so. However, this normally settles down and, in fact, many women who use the intrauterine system often benefit from periods which are shorter and lighter.

The Intrauterine Copper Device
This is also a device which sits in your womb, but does not rely on hormones. There are several types of intrauterine copper device (IUCD), which last for between three and ten years. They are made of plastic and copper and work mainly by preventing sperm from surviving in your womb and reaching an egg.Again, a doctor or nurse will take a few minutes to put the intrauterine device into place. Like the intrauterine system, you can ask your doctor to remove the intrauterine copper device at any time, and you could quickly be able to become pregnant.

• Who can use it? You can use the intrauterine copper device at any age.
• How reliable is it? Some types of intrauterine copper devices are more than 99% effective.
• What side effects can there be? Some women find their periods are heavier and more painful with the intrauterine copper device.

The Injection
You can get two types of injection. They both contain a form of progestogen. An injection is usually given into the muscle in your bottom. It is quickly administered by a doctor or nurse, and you will then need follow-up injections every eight or twelve weeks.

• Who can use it? The injection can be used by most women in their reproductive years but because of concerns over osteoporosis (bone thinning), you should take care with this method if you are under 18 or over 45.
• How reliable is it? The injection is more than 99% effective.
• What side effects can there be? Some women may have irregular bleeding with the first one or two injections, although more than half of women will find their periods stop completely with this method. Another possible side effect is putting on weight. When you stop having the injection it can take up to a year before you can become pregnant again.

The Implant
This is a small, white, matchstick sized rod which contains progestogen. If you choose this method, a nurse or doctor will place it under the skin in your upper arm. This usually takes a few minutes. You can get it removed at any time, and you could quickly be able to get pregnant.

• Who can use it? You can use the implant at any age.
• How reliable is it? It is more than 99% effective.
• What are the possible side effects? Some women notice irregular bleeding which may last for a few months or longer. You should find this will settle and you may find it reduces heavy periods.

Consider using long-acting reversible contraceptives if you:

• Want a reliable contraceptive that you don’t have to remember every day
• Want a method which is effective but reversible
• Are not planning to have a child in the immediate future
• Are currently breast-feeding.

Find out more about LARCs by making an appointment with Dr Mwale, Dr Girvan or Practice Nurses Joy Stubbs and Julie Bowen. You can also visit the Contraception: Advice for Life web site.