Long Acting & Reversible Contraception

 

Do you want a method of contraception that is safe, reliable and doesn’t rely on you remembering to take it?

 

The methods of contraception which do this are called LARC (long-acting and reversible contraception).

 

The methods are:

 

• The implant

• The injection

• Coil (IUD)

• Coil (IUS)

 

 

 

The Implant

 

​

 

The implant is a small flexible rod that is placed under the skin.

 

• It contains the hormone progestogen and mainly works to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.

 

• It lasts for 3 years and is over 99% effective.

 

• It is fitted on the inside of your upper arm by a trained doctor or nurse.

 

• It cannot be seen but can be felt by pressing over the area and is unbreakable.

 

The implant stops you getting pregnant and can make periods irregular or stop altogether, but it won't protect you from picking up an STI

 

For more information click here

 

 

The Injection

 

​

 

The injection contains the hormone progestogen. It is given into a muscle (usually the bum) by a doctor or nurse and mainly works to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. It lasts for 3 months and is over 99% effective.

 

Follow-up injections must be given on time. Make a note of your next appointment on your mobile or in your diary. It can take a year or more after stopping the injection for regular periods to return.

 

The injection stops you getting pregnant and can make periods irregular or stop altogether, but it won't protect you from picking up an STI.

 

For more information click here

 

 

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

 

​

 

The IUD is a small T-shaped copper and plastic rod that is placed inside the womb. It lasts 5-10 years and is over 99% effective. It works by stopping the sperm reaching the egg or the egg implanting in the womb.

 

• It can only be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse

• It is ideal for those who can’t or don’t want to take hormones

• It can also be used as emergency contraception up to 5 days after having unprotected sex

 

The IUD stops you getting pregnant and can make periods heavy and painful, but it won't protect you from picking up an STI.

 

For more information click here

 

 

Intrauterine System (IUS)

 

​

 

The IUS is a small T-shaped rod that is placed inside the womb. It contains the hormone progestogen and mainly works to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.

 

• The IUS lasts 5 years and is over 99% effective

• It can only be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse

 

The IUS stops you getting pregnant and can make periods lighter or stop altogether, but it won't protect you from picking up an STI.

 

For more information click here