Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)

I don't want to be pregnant anytime soon, and I HATE taking a pill everyday. What are my options?

Your life is crazy! Whether you're training for your next marathon, chasing around your two-year-old, or taking care of your fur babies, life can be hectic. Add on remembering to take your birth control pill every day and sometimes things can get missed. If you are not looking to have a baby anytime soon, there are some great long-term options to keep you from getting pregnant without having to remember to take a pill every day!

Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)

LARC is a catch-all term that includes multiple forms of birth control that last for a long time, but are also easily reversible when you are interested in becoming pregnant. There are two major categories of LARC: the contraceptive implant and the intrauterine device (IUD).

The Contraceptive Implant: Nexplanon

Nexplanon is a hormonal birth control implant that is placed in the arm. The implant can stay in place for up to 3 years before being removed and replaced if desired. Nexplanon is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. The best part is that Nexplanon can be removed and reversed whenever you want! If you want it out before the 3 years is up, your OB/Gyn can remove it with a simple procedure.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Hormonal and Non-hormonal

Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla in the US) are placed inside the uterus via a small procedure that takes a little bit longer than a pap smear. Hormonal IUDs are over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. They act both by preventing sperm from traveling to the egg and by thinning the inside lining of the uterus. Depending which hormonal IUD you choose, it can be effective for up to 5 years! Some IUDs can also help with heavy menstrual periods. Talk with your OB/Gyn about which hormonal IUD would be best for you.

The only non-hormonal IUD currently available in the US is Paragard. Paragard is a T-shaped IUD very similar to the hormonal IUDs, except the active ingredient is copper. The copper in Paragard kills sperm and irritates the lining of the uterus to prevent a pregnancy from occurring. It is also over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Paragard is placed via a small procedure that takes a bit longer than a pap smear. It can stay in place for up to 10 years, but can be removed easily if you decide to get pregnant.

Most LARC devices are covered by insurance, but the friendly staff at Premier OB-Gyn would be happy to help determine your coverage. If you are ready to kick your pills and try something long-term, we would be happy to help you choose the best LARC for you!

Do you have questions about contraceptive options? All of us here at Premier OB-Gyn are happy to answer your questions and help make you feel as comfortable as possible. Book your appointment today!

Premier OB-Gyn is accepting new patients in both our Maitland, FL and Oviedo, FL locations. We would be happy to see you! Please call 321-397-1212 or visit www.premierob-gyn.com to book your appointment!

Author

Matthew Wollenschlaeger, MD, FACOG Matthew Wollenschlaeger, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified OB/GYN who joined the Premier Obstetrics and Gynecology team in 2020. He is proud to provide high-quality care to the women throughout Maitland and Oviedo, Florida. Originally from Ocala, Florida, Dr. Wollenschlaeger attended undergraduate school at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemistry. He returned to Florida to earn a Master of Science degree from the University of South Florida. Dr. Wollenschlaeger completed his medical degree at The University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, Florida. He went on to complete his OB/GYN training at Orlando Health, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, where he was the Chief Quality Resident. At Premier Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Wollenschlaeger enjoys being able to offer the full spectrum of women’s healthcare and is dedicated to treating women at all stages of life.