Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive
Encyclopedia
Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods are birth control
methods that provide effective contraception
for an extended period of time without requiring user action.
Shorter-acting methods that are sometimes considered LARC:
for preventing pregnancy and significantly more cost-effective than traditional contraceptive methods such as oral contraceptive pills and condoms.
guidelines. Giving advice on these methods of contraception has been included in the 2009 Quality and Outcomes Framework
"good practice" for primary care.
Birth control
Birth control is an umbrella term for several techniques and methods used to prevent fertilization or to interrupt pregnancy at various stages. Birth control techniques and methods include contraception , contragestion and abortion...
methods that provide effective contraception
Contraception
Contraception is the prevention of the fusion of gametes during or after sexual activity. The term contraception is a contraction of contra, which means against, and the word conception, meaning fertilization...
for an extended period of time without requiring user action.
LARC methods
Available LARC methods include:- Intrauterine deviceIntrauterine deviceA copper IUD is a type of intrauterine device. Most IUDs have a plastic T- or U-shaped frame which is wrapped in copper wire, with the exception of Gynefix, which is a plastic string with several copper beads, affixed to the fundus of the uterus...
(IUD) - Intrauterine systemIntraUterine SystemThe IUD with progestogen, intrauterine system , or IntraUterine Contraceptive is a long-acting reversible hormonal contraceptive device that is placed in the uterus. An IUS has a hormone cylinder that releases a progestin called levonorgestrel...
(IUS) - also known as an IUC, or intrauterine contraceptive or hormonal IUDs - Contraceptive implantContraceptive implantA contraceptive implant is a birth control device inserted under the skin. Brands include:*Norplant and Jadelle *Implanon*Sino-implant marketed as Zarin, Femplant and Trust*Nexplanon Implanon replacement...
s, such as ImplanonImplanonImplanon, made by Organon International, is a single-rod long acting reversible hormonal contraceptive subdermal implant that is inserted just under the skin of a woman's upper arm. The 4 cm by 2 mm Implanon rod contains 68 milligrams of etonogestrel which is released over a three year...
and Norplant/JadelleNorplantNorplant is a form of birth control developed by the Population Council that was first approved in 1983 in Finland, where it was manufactured by Leiras Oy Pharmaceuticals...
Shorter-acting methods that are sometimes considered LARC:
- Depo ProveraDepo ProveraDepo-Provera is a branded progestogen-only contraceptive, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate long acting reversible hormonal contraceptive birth control drug that is injected every 3 months...
injection - Combined injectable contraceptiveCombined injectable contraceptiveCombined injectable contraceptive monthly injection of progesterone and estradiol taken to inhibit fertility. Brand names include Cyclofem, Novafem, Mesigyna, Lunelle and Cyclo-Provera....
Efficacy and cost
LARC methods have been shown to be both more effective in typical useComparison of birth control methods
Different types of birth control methods have large differences in effectiveness, actions required of users, and side effects.-Ease of use:Different methods require different actions of users. Barrier methods, spermicides, and coitus interruptus must be used at every act of intercourse. The male...
for preventing pregnancy and significantly more cost-effective than traditional contraceptive methods such as oral contraceptive pills and condoms.
Promotion
The United Kingdom Department of Health has actively promoted LARC use since 2008, particularly for young people; following on from the October 2005 National Institute for Health and Clinical ExcellenceNational Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is a special health authority of the English National Health Service , serving both English NHS and the Welsh NHS...
guidelines. Giving advice on these methods of contraception has been included in the 2009 Quality and Outcomes Framework
Quality and Outcomes Framework
The Quality and Outcomes Framework is a system for the performance management and payment of general practitioners in the National Health Service in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland...
"good practice" for primary care.