Long Acting Reversible Contraception
LARC is a Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive method.
They are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Your ability to have a baby (fertility) will return as soon as you take it out.
They do not protect from STIs.
LARCs can only be inserted and removed by specially trained staff.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
IUDs are T-shaped devices that are inserted into your uterus.
Mirena
- A Mirena works for up to five years.
- A Mirena is 99.8% effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Periods usually become lighter or stop when using a Mirena.
- It works by:
- stopping the release of ova (eggs),
- thickening the fluid around the cervix to make it harder for the sperm to get to the ovum (egg), and
- changing the lining of the womb to stop a fertilised egg from sticking to it (implanting).
Kyleena
- A Kyleena works for up to five years.
- It is 99.7% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Copper IUD
- A copper IUD works for between 5-10 years depending on the type.
- A copper IUD is 99.5% effective at preventing pregnancy.
- It can make some women’s periods heavier.
- It works by:
- stopping sperm from reaching and fertilising the ovum (egg),
- affecting the way sperm move and survive in the uterus, and
- changing the lining of the womb to stop a fertilised egg from sticking to it (implanting).
Contraceptive implant
An implant is a 4cm long soft plastic bar that is inserted into your arm.
Implanon, or ‘The Bar’
- Implanon works for 3 years
- It is 99.95% effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Periods usually become lighter or stop when using Implanon, but about 1 in every 5 women have irregular or ongoing bleeding.
- It works by:
- stopping the release of ova (eggs),
- thickening the fluid around the cervix to make it harder for the sperm to get to the ovum (egg), and
- changing the lining of the womb to stop a fertilised egg from sticking to it (implanting).
How do I get LARC?
- Talk to Family Planning Tasmania or a GP to get a prescription.
- Have your LARC inserted at Family Planning Tasmania or by a GP.
- Talk to your GP or one of our doctors about how to protect yourself and others from STIs.
- Relax, knowing that LARCs prevent unwanted pregnancy for between three and ten years, depending on the type.
Useful information
Click the links below to download:
How effective is my contraceptive method (efficacy)?
This content is provided for general information and education purposes only and does not take into account individual circumstances. It is not to be relied on in substitution for specific advice from a medical professional and Family Planning Tasmania does not accept responsibility for such use. Family Planning Tasmania has taken every effort to ensure that the information is up to date and accurate, however information and knowledge is subject to change. Family Planning Tasmania advises that you always consult a medical professional for individual advice.
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