Method of the Month

Long acting reversible contraceptives.

There are three main long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) in use at the moment, one is the contraceptive implant and one is the intra-uterine-device (IUD) or intra-uterine-system (IUS).

None of these methods offer protection from sexually transmitted infections although they are all highly effective as contraceptives (almost 100%). 

All of them require an appointment with contraception and sexual health specialist as they need prescribing and specialist insertion. 

Contraceptive implant

The implant is small device about the size of a match and is inserted into the upper arm between the two heads of the biceps muscle, containing the hormone progestogen. This is inserted under local anaesthetic. The implant remains effective for three years. 

IUD

The IUD is a small device usually T shaped which is inserted into the uterus and can remain in situ for five years (or even more). 

IUS

The IUS is an IUD with the addition of the hormone progestogen this also remains effective for five years. The implant and the IUS prevent ovulation and make menstrual loss much lighter. All three methods can be used in all women including young women and women who have never been pregnant.