Long-acting reversible contraception is contraception that doesn't depend on you remembering to take or use it to be effective.
It's highly effective at preventing pregnancy.
Read this Q&A to find out about extended use during covid-19
Effectiveness
The implant’s the most effective method of contraception.
It’s well over 99% effective. Fewer than 1 in 1,000 users will get pregnant in the first year of use.
Once it’s fitted, it works for contraception for 3 years.
How it works
A small, flexible rod is put under the skin of your upper arm. It releases the hormone progestogen.
It stops ovulation (releasing an egg), thickens cervical mucus to stop sperm reaching an egg, and thins the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent a fertilised egg implanting.
How long it lasts
Works for 3 years but can be taken out sooner if you choose.
How it affects periods
Your bleeding’s likely to be unpredictable.
Your periods may stop or you might have very little bleeding, or bleeding might be irregular or last longer.
How it affects fertility
Your fertility returns to normal as soon as the implant’s removed.
How it's inserted/removed
A doctor or nurse uses a local anaesthetic to numb the skin on the inner side of your upper arm, and then inserts the implant. It takes a few minutes and feels similar to having an injection.
To remove it, the doctor or nurse uses a local anaesthetic, makes a small cut and gently pulls the implant out.
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Effectiveness
The copper IUD is over 99% effective.
Fewer than 1 in 100 IUD users will get pregnant in a year.
Once it’s fitted, it works for contraception for 5 or 10 years, depending on the type.
How it works
A small, flexible plastic and copper device is put into the uterus (womb).
The copper stops sperm and eggs from surviving. It also changes your cervical mucus to stop sperm from reaching an egg.
An IUD may also stop a fertilised egg implanting in the uterus.
How long it lasts
Works for 5 or 10 years, depending on the type, but can be taken out sooner if you choose.
If fitted at or after age 40, it can stay in place until after the menopause when contraception is no longer needed.
How it affects periods
Your periods may be heavier, longer or more painful.
How it affects fertility
Your fertility returns to normal as soon as the IUD’s taken out.
How it's inserted/removed
A doctor or nurse will insert the IUD.
Your appointment will last around 20–30 minutes.
Inserting the IUD usually takes around 5 minutes. It can be uncomfortable or painful for some people and you may be offered a local anaesthetic.
The IUD has threads which hang through the cervix (opening of the uterus) into the top of your vagina.
A doctor or nurse can remove the IUD by pulling gently on the threads.
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Effectiveness
The hormonal IUS is over 99% effective.
Fewer than 1 in 100 IUS users will get pregnant in a year.
Once it’s fitted, it works for contraception for 3 or 5 years, depending on the type.
How it works
A small, flexible T-shaped plastic device is put into the uterus (womb).
It releases the hormone progestogen. This thins the lining of the uterus to stop a fertilised egg implanting and thickens cervical mucus to stop sperm reaching an egg.
How long it lasts
Works for 3 or 5 years, depending on type, but can be taken out sooner if you choose.
If fitted at or after age 45, and being used for contraception, the Mirena or the Levosert IUS can stay in place until after the menopause, when contraception is no longer needed.
How it affects periods
Periods often stop altogether. Any bleeding is usually lighter, shorter and often less painful.
How it affects fertility
Your fertility returns to normal as soon as the IUS is taken out.
How it's inserted/removed
A doctor or nurse will insert the IUS.
Your appointment will last around 20–30 minutes.
Inserting the IUS usually takes around 5 minutes. It can be uncomfortable or painful for some people and you may be offered a local anaesthetic.
The IUS has threads which hang through the cervix (opening of the uterus) into the top of your vagina.
A doctor or nurse can remove the IUS by pulling gently on the threads.
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Effectiveness
With perfect use, over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Fewer than 1 in 100 injection users will get pregnant in a year.
Perfect use means that you always use the injection exactly as instructed and get the injection on time every 13 weeks.
With typical use, around 94% effective.
Around 6 in 100 injection users will get pregnant in a year.
Typical use means that you don’t always use the injection as instructed, for example if you have an injection late.
How it works
It releases the hormone progestogen. This stops ovulation (releasing an egg), thickens cervical mucus to stop sperm reaching an egg, and thins the lining of the uterus (womb) to stop a fertilised egg implanting.
The injection can’t be removed from the body so any side effects may continue for as long as it works and for some time afterwards.
How long it lasts
Must be given every 13 weeks (Depo-Provera and Sayana Press) or 8 weeks (Noristerat). Noristerat isn’t commonly used in the UK.
How it affects periods
Your periods may stop, or bleeding may be irregular or longer.
How it affects fertility
Your periods and fertility may take up to 1 year to return after stopping the injection. It may take more time for some people and less time for others.
How it's given
Depo-Provera is injected into a muscle, usually in your buttocks. It can sometimes be given in your arm.
Sayana Press is injected beneath the skin at the front of your thigh or abdomen, with a tiny needle. It’s possible for you to be taught how to inject Sayana Press yourself at home. Ask your clinic or general practice about this.
More information
This website can only give you general information. Our LARC information is based on evidence-guided research from The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the World Health Organization.
All methods of contraception come with a Patient Information Leaflet which provides detailed information about the method.
Contact your doctor, practice nurse or a contraception clinic if you're worried or unsure about anything.
