Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) are contraceptive methods that require administration less than once a month. LARC methods can be described as 'set and forget' because they do not require the user to frequently remember to do something, such as take a daily pill or use a condom for contraception
They are highly effective in typical use and offer additional benefits, such as a reduction in heavy menstrual bleeding and menstrual pain. Further, international evidence shows that LARC has the potential to reduce unintended pregnancy and abortion rates. Despite this, LARC take-up is lower in Australia than in other developed countries. FPAA advocates the increased uptake of LARC in Australia. For more information on LARC and the role of Family Planning Alliance Australia, please refer to the documents on this page.
IUD national training principles 2018
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Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs), which include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants, are recommended as first line contraceptive options. With typical use, they are significantly more effective than other available reversible methods, and are generally associated with a lower risk of complications and side effects. However, insertion of the LARC methods does require health professionals to obtain specific training to develop these skills.
Guidance for bleeding on progestogen-only LARC
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Provide accurate Information about expected bleeding patterns, emphasising that troublesome bleeding is likely to improve with time
Implanon Alternative Sites position statement
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The Product Information advises that the implant should be inserted subdermally into the upper inner non-dominant arm, and accredited training programs for implant insertion and removal reflect this advice. This site allows for easy access during insertion and removal, poses minimal risk of neurovascular injury if correct procedures are followed, and allows for easy recognition of the device as a result of consistent placement by health professionals across the globe.
Extended use of and ongoing access to LARCs during the COVID-19 pandemic
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Contraception is essential health care and all efforts should be made to continue the insertion of LARCs during the pandemic. To reduce the risk of infection with COVID-19, this may require different approaches to insertion such as wearing a mask during insertion of contraceptive implant or using an inserter-only approach for IUD insertion (with an assistant outside the room for emergencies).
FPPS Position Statement
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A Long Action Reversible Contraception (LARC) method is one that requires administration less than once per month. LARC includes hormonal or copper-bearing intrauterine devices (IUDs), the hormonal contraceptive implant and the hormonal contraceptive injection Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA). Due to its high discontinuation rate1 and frequent administration schedule DMPA is not included within the scope of this statement.
LARC Information
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Family Planning Alliance Australia is the nation's peak body in reproductive and sexual health. It promotes advances in public health through policy insight and advocacy and represents leading health and education agencies across Australia.
EFFICACY OF CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS OCT 2020
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The hormonal IUD slowly releases a very small amount of progestogen hormone into the uterus and lasts for 5 years. It on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and it is very cost effective after it has been inserted.
Contraceptive card references 7 November 2019
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It is difficult to give definitive figures for contraceptive efficacy, due to a diversity of populations studied and methods used. The figures have been derived by expert consensus using results from a variety of studies, selecting figures from studies which appear to be most comparable to Australian conditions