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Redefining and Empowering Adolescent and Community Health

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception

Current Value

20

2020

Definition

LARC stands for long-acting reversible contraception. It is a term for highly effective and easy-to-use forms of birth control that can last for years at a time. LARC includes the intrauterine device (IUD) and the contraceptive implant.

  • LARCs are recommended as the best birth control method for most women, including teens, by doctors’ groups including pediatricians, obstetricians/gynecologists, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • LARCs are better than pills, patches, and other contraceptives in preventing pregnancy because the LARC remains in place all the time. 
  • When young women are offered all birth control methods without barriers like cost or clinic access, nearly two-thirds choose LARC over other contraceptives. 
  • A LARC device can prevent pregnancy for 3 to 12 years after just one visit to the doctor.
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Description

Data was obtained from the Family Planning Annual Reports maintained by the Richmond County Health Department in the Patagonia Electronic Health Records that are reported to the NC Department of Health and Human Services.  The graph represents all females under 15 to 19 years old who acquired LARCs for their primary contraceptive.  

Story Behind the Curve

LARC stands for long-acting reversible contraception. It is a term for highly effective and easy-to-use forms of birth control that can last for years at a time. LARC includes both the intrauterine device (IUD) and the contraceptive implant, which have become more prevalent in recent years due to the ninety-nine percent effective rate and the “set it and forget it” method. Many doctor groups (e.g., pediatricians, obstetricians, gynecologists) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention highly recommend LARC for most women and teens due to its effective rates and reversibility. In addition, research has indicated that LARC is twenty times more effective than birth control pills, contraceptive patches, and the vaginal ring because it removes the human error that makes the other methods less effective.  

LARC offers women a safe, long-lasting choice for preventing pregnancy—one that requires no real thought or effort over the years. It’s an option that most women would consider a viable alternative since it is reversible. However, there are still safety concerns with using LARC, and understanding the history of coercion and severe injury with its use has caused irreparable damage to its reputation. In 2012, the CDC study showed that nearly a third of healthcare providers had misconceptions about the safety of IUDs for women who have never had children. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that LARC methods be offered as a first-line birth control method and has encouraged providers to offer LARC as an option for most women, including adolescents and women who have never had children.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, December 28). Preventing Teen Pregnancy. Vital Signs. Preventing Teen Pregnancy | VitalSigns | CDC
Gallo, M. F., Warner, L., Jamieson, D. J., & Steiner, M. J. (2011). Do women using long-acting reversible contraception reduce condom use? A novel study design incorporating semen biomarkers. Infectious diseases in obstetrics and gynecology2011, 107140. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/107140

Partners

  • Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health (ICO4MCH): 

Richmond County Health Department collaborates with the ICO4MCH to use evidence-based strategies in our communities to improve birth outcomes, reducing infant mortality and the overall health of children ages birth to 5. 

Eighth and Ninth-grade health teachers and REACH curriculum facilitators collaborate to provide systematic and effective ways for adolescents to learn the essential knowledge and critical skills needed to decrease sexual risk behaviors, promote reproductive health, and connect students to health services in the community. 

What Works

  • Increase access to long-acting reversible contraceptives, such as IUDs, and implants, together with condoms
  • Ensure access to information and services for youth sexual and reproductive health
  • Encourage school policies to ensure they include information on how to avoid teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
  • Encourage public use of the Richmond County family planning clinic and maternity clinic
  • Collaborate with other agencies to promote public health education in regards to sexual and reproductive health

Strategies

The current concern with LARCs are making sure all women, young adults, and teens are well informed about these methods, including benefits and side effects, and making LARCs an accessible and affordable option. Strategies to increase the use of LARC in those seeking long-term contraceptives are to dispel myths and rumors and promote education on possible side effects. This education includes the general public, medical providers, and other agencies. For example, Richmond County Health Department Family Planning Clinics provides teen-friendly conversations about the ease of the LARCs as compared to other contraceptives.  

To improve birth outcomes in Richmond County, the ICO4MCH has collaborated with the Richmond County Health Department in the Preconception and Interconception Health program to assist the maternity clinic and family planning clinic in providing LARC education and products to women seeking services. We also partner together within our diverse communities, faith institutions, and medical providers to increase awareness, provide education and ensure equal access to complete health services for men and women during their reproductive years.  

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