At Walker Street Doctors, we understand that choosing the right contraception is a personal decision that depends on your lifestyle, health needs, and future plans. For our busy patients, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods offer a convenient, highly effective "fit and forget" approach to birth control.
What Are LARCs?
Long-acting reversible contraceptives include
- Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) - both hormonal and copper options
- Contraceptive Implants - small rods placed under the skin
- Contraceptive Injections - while technically not a LARC due to the need for regular clinic visits, they remain an important option for some women
Why Consider a LARC Method?
LARCs offer several advantages over other contraceptive methods:
- Extremely effective - with failure rates less than 1%
- Convenient - no need to remember daily pills or regular appointments
- Cost-effective - though the initial cost may be higher, they're economical over time
- Rapidly reversible - fertility returns quickly after removal (except for contraceptive injections)
- Suitable for most women - including those who cannot use estrogen-containing
contraceptives
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
Types of IUDs Available in Australia
Hormonal IUD (Mirena)
- Contains the hormone levonorgestrel
- Lasts up to 5 years
- Can significantly reduce menstrual bleeding and pain
- PBS subsidised
- Ideal for women with heavy periods
Copper IUDs
- Hormone-free option
- Last 5-10 years depending on the type
- Cost around $90-$180 (not PBS subsidised)
- Can be used as emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex
What to Expect with an IUD
Insertion Process:
- Takes about 10-15 minutes by Gynaecologist or Ultrasound Care
- Some women experience cramping during insertion
After Insertion:
- Hormonal IUD: You may experience irregular spotting for the first 3-5 months. By
12 months, about 65% of women have very light periods or no periods at all. - Copper IUD: Your periods may become heavier and more painful. We can
recommend medications to help manage this if needed.
Side Effects:
- For hormonal IUDs, these may include headaches, acne, breast tenderness, and mood changes, though these often resolve with time.
- The copper IUD has no hormonal side effects.
Benefits Beyond Contraception:
- The hormonal IUD can help manage endometriosis pain and treat heavy menstrual bleeding
- The copper IUD is ideal for women seeking a non-hormonal option
Contraceptive Implant (Implanon NXT)
The contraceptive implant is a small flexible rod inserted just under the skin of your upper arm.
Key Facts
- Lasts for up to 3 years
- Over 99.9% effective
- PBS subsidised
- Quick insertion procedure (about 5 minutes)
- Can be removed at any time
Bleeding Patterns:
- Your bleeding pattern will change - this is normal
- About 20% of women stop having periods
- About 25% experience more frequent or prolonged bleeding
- The rest have regular but usually lighter periods
Other Effects:
- Some women report headaches, mood changes, or breast tenderness
- There may be a small change in weight for some women
- It may cause acne in some women and improve it in others
Contraceptive Injections (Depo-Provera)
While not technically a LARC because it requires a clinic visit every 12 weeks, the
contraceptive injection remains a popular option.
Key Facts
- Each injection lasts for 12 weeks
- PBS subsidised
- Very private - no visible signs of contraception
- By 12 months, at least 50% of women stop having periods altogether
Effects on Periods:
- Most women experience lighter periods or no periods at all after several months
- Some women have irregular bleeding initially
Considerations:
- Return to fertility can be delayed up to 18 months after stopping
- There may be a small effect on bone density, which returns to normal after stopping
- Some women may experience weight gain
Choosing the Right Option for You
When selecting contraception, consider:
- Your plans for future pregnancy - when do you want to conceive?
- Your period preferences - do you want lighter periods, no periods, or natural periods?
- Convenience factors - how important is the "fit and forget" aspect?
- Medical history - some options may be better suited to your specific health needs
Book an Appointment
At Walker Street Doctors North Sydney, we have GPs experienced in all aspects of
contraception, including LARCs. We understand our patients are busy professionals who value effective healthcare solutions.
Book a consultation to discuss which contraceptive option might be best for you. We
recommend a standard appointment for initial discussions and a longer appointment for
procedures.
Remember: The best contraception is one that fits your lifestyle and that you'll use consistently!
This information is general in nature. For specific advice regarding your individual
circumstances, please book an appointment with one of our GPs.
