This blog post aims to introduce the advantages of using Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive and the importance of making LARCs available in Australia.

Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive(LARCs) is the most effective contraceptive method which lasts for a number of months or years depend on the types of LARCs. There are three types of LARCs, contraceptive implant(lasts for 3 years), IUD(lasts for 5 to 10 years) and contraceptive injection(given every 12 weeks). Not all of the contraceptive methods are 100% effective, however, LARCs can have many advantages.

• It is convenient because it doesn’t depend on the compliance of the patients.
• Patients don’t have to think about contraceptive every time when having sex.
• It is suitable for the female who find it hard to take contraceptive pills every day.
• No one will see you have used LARCs.
• Once IUD or implant is removed, the fertility will return normal quickly.
• It is long lasting.
• It is cost-effective.
• IUD can be used as the emergency contraceptive method.

The intrauterine device and sub-dermal implant are mostly supported and promoted by the emerging data due to the high level of patient satisfaction. IUD(intrauterine device) is also suitable for the adolescents in order to decrease the teen-pregnancy rates. IUD works effectively as the emergency contraceptive method, once use IUD within 5 days after an unprotected sex it can prevent pregnancy with 99% of effectiveness. According to World Health Organization, LARCs have the highest contraceptive efficiency comparing to combined hormonal methods and progestogen-contain methods. The implant is suitable for the female who wants a long-term contraceptive and who are able to tolerate the irregular bleeding.

Facts about IUD(intrauterine device)

• IUD works in the way of slowing the movement of sperm reaching to an egg, IUD will not cause abortions.
• Female should be tested for SITs at the time of IUD insertion.
• IUD is suitable for the large group of female, including female who have not gaven birth to babies and adolescent.
• IUD is cost-effective even though it costs higher than other types of contraceptive methods. It can save money for other birth control methods costs for almost 10 years.

Facts about contraceptive injections

• contraceptive injection is a non-invasive and discreet contraceptive method
• it works in the way of releasing progestogen inside the body to prevent pregnancy
• It may change periods and cause irregular bleeding
• remember to take the repeat injection on time(12 weeks) to make sure it works effectively
• it is more reliable than taking contraceptive pills every day
• long-term use of contraceptive injection may cause a reduction of mineral in bones so it is not suitable for the female who are under 18 or over 45
• It is not suitable for the female who plans to have babies in the near future because it takes time for the fertility to return normal after taking it out or expiring.

Most importantly, condom is the only way to prevent from getting SITs(sexually transmitted infection) and being pregnant at the same time. Thus, no matter what contraceptive methods you are using, it is recommended to use condoms to protect yourself.

What is best for you?

LARCs may not be suitable for a small group of female, it is suggested to have a basic understanding of these three methods and then talk to the doctors or nurses.

Steps to have LARCs

• ask your healthcare provider
• have the LARCs inserted or implanted
• relax and enjoy

Despite the side effects of irregular bleeding and headaches, LARCs provide female a safe, long-term and effective contraceptive method which do not require user action for a number of months or years. Using LARCs can prevent pregnancy without the patient compliance, for example, female may forget to take contraceptive pills every day. LARCs can avoid this situation and LARCs will be a good choice of birth control in the future.

Nowadays, everyone is affected by the topic of contraception and it is important for us to be fully informed about the accurate contraceptive information. This blog introduces the birth control methods that you should know and the side effects.

Condoms(male and female)

Condom is a barrier contraception which prevents sperms from reaching or fertilizing an egg. Both male and female can use condoms. Condom is the only type of birth control method which prevents pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections(SITs) at the same time. For example, HIV. Although you are using other type of contraceptive methods, it is recommended to use condoms for the purpose of protecting yourself.

Combined contraceptive pill

Combined contraceptive pills always referred to ‘pill’ which contains the artificial version of female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Taking pills has a high rate of effective contraception(99%). Apart from preventing pregnancy, pills also can be taken to treat heavy periods, painful periods, endometriosis or premenstrual syndrome. The way to take combined contraceptive pills is to take one tablet per day for 21 days then stop taking for 7 days(periods). There are some side effects of taking pills, it may cause headaches, nausea, mood swings or breast tenderness. Combined contraceptive pills are not suitable for the female over 35 or smoke. It might increase the blood pressure and it cannot prevent SITs.

Progestogen-only contraceptive pills

Progestogen-only contraceptive pills do not contain any oestrogen which is a good option for the women over 35 years old and those who smoke.

Contraceptive implants and injections

Contraceptive implant is a hormonal implant which inserts under the skin in order to stop sperms from reaching an egg. Putting a contraceptive implant should be conducted by the trained doctor or nurse. There are lots of advantages of using contraceptive implants, the effective rate reaches to almost 100%. It can last for 3 years and it is suitable for the female who cannot take contraceptive pills. It also relief the pain of periods. It works immediately after inserting under skin during the first 5 days of periods.

Contraceptive injections prevent pregnancy in the way of releasing the hormone progestogen into the bloodstream which has a 99% of effective rate of contraception. According to the types of injections, it may last for 8 or 13 weeks. It is suitable for the female who feel it difficult to take contraceptive pills every day. It it not affected by other medicines. There are some weaknesses female should know, it may cause headaches, mood swings, irregular periods, irregular bleeding or weight gain. Most importantly, it might be not suitable for the family who plans to have a baby in the near future because it takes 1 year for the fertility to become normal after the injection expires.

Intrauterine device(IUD)

Intrauterine device(IUD) is a small, T-shaped contraceptive device that puts inside the womb. IUD is a long-acting and reversible contraceptive method. It can last for 5 to 10 years which depends on the types. IUD contains hormone for releasing to prevent pregnancy. IUD is also effective for managing the heavy periods. IUD is not permanent, if you plan to have a baby and the doctors will take it out easily then you are able to be pregnant. IUD can be used for emergency contraception. It works effectively more than 99% if IUD is put inside the womb after the unprotected sex within 5 days.

Intrauterine system(IUS)

Intrauterine system works similarly as IUD dose, but it prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestogen which is suitable for the women with a heavy or painful period. IUS stays for 3 to 5 years and it can make the periods shorter, lighter or stop. It makes harder for the sperm to move through the cervix. You’ ll be protected from being pregnant if IUS fit in the first 7 days of the cycle. IUS can fit any time as long as you’re not pregnant. IUS might cause skin problems. IUS can not prevent from SITs, so it is recommended to use condoms.

Vaginal ring

Vaginal ring is a small, soft plastic ring fitted inside the women’s vagina on the first day of period. Vaginal ring contains oestrogen and progestogen so it is not suitable for the female who can’t take the oestrogen-containing pills.

Above are the contraceptive methods you should know and the effectiveness. Female should be fully informed by the contraceptive information and make choices of birth control according to individuals’ conditions. Most importantly, everyone can enjoy a safe sex and protect ourselves from having SITs by using condoms correctly.

Thanks for joining me!

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