{"id":111557,"date":"2021-03-30T11:58:21","date_gmt":"2021-03-30T15:58:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/111557\/are-larcs-more-popular-than-ever\/"},"modified":"2024-08-22T15:20:44","modified_gmt":"2024-08-22T19:20:44","slug":"are-larcs-more-popular-than-ever","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/111557\/are-larcs-more-popular-than-ever\/","title":{"rendered":"Why are Long Acting Reversible Contraception options so popular?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The use of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception, or LARCs, has been on the rise in the U.S. for some time \u2014 10% of women using birth control are now using LARCs, IUDs<\/a>, birth control shots<\/a>, and implants<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Long Acting Reversible Contraception<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

LARCs have a number of benefits \u2013 you can find a few of them right in the name! The contraception options are long-acting and some can last up to 10 years and are reversible. This means that they\u2019ll prevent you from getting pregnant now, but you can always stop using the method if you want to get pregnant later. Additionally, because often there is only one up front cost, LARCs can also be more affordable compared to other birth control methods<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And one of the most notable benefits that\u2019s not in the name? Some LARCs can be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. There are a number of LARC options to choose from, so there\u2019s a good chance that can find one that\u2019s right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 Long Acting Reversible Contraception Options to Consider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We’ve selected 3 contraception options that are also long acting and reversible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intrauterine device (IUD)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This small T- shaped device is inserted into the uterus. IUDs come in two different forms: the copper IUD (Paragard), which is hormone free and can last for about 10 years, and hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, Liletta), which release a small amount of hormones and can last 3-8 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birth control shot<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This method (Depo-Provera) is given as a simple shot. It\u2019s important to get regular follow-up shots on time \u2014 every 12 weeks \u2014 for this method to be effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birth control implant<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The implant (Nexplanon) is a tiny rod, about the size of a matchstick. It\u2019s inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It releases hormones and can last for 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talk to your healthcare provider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re interested in learning more about LARCs, you should speak with your healthcare provider<\/a> or clinic to find the best option for you. While an implant or IUD needs to be inserted by a clinician in a provider\u2019s office, birth control shots can be easily administered by a nurse or medical assistant \u2014 or right at home!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because LARCs don\u2019t prevent STDs<\/a>, if you use one of these methods to prevent pregnancy, you may want to use a barrier method, like a condom<\/a>, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Read more about birth control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n