Understanding the Various Types of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)

There are lots of different ways of preventing pregnancy out there, and lots of birth control options for you to choose. Which type of birth control is right for you?

If you’re like many women, you’re looking for a long-term solution to fertility management. You might want to get pregnant someday, so you want to keep that option open. But, you also want birth control that you can rely on for months or even years to come.

For your long-term birth control needs, you should know more about long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). These types of birth control provide pregnancy prevention over an extended period of time, but can also be reversed to allow you to become pregnant if and when you choose to do so.

At Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin, board-certified OBGYN Dr. Mary Grace Bridges and her team of experts make sure you have access to the right type of birth control for your personal and health-related needs. Dr. Bridges provides birth control, including LARCs, from her locations in Odessa and Midland, Texas.

Types of LARCs

Let’s review the different types of LARCs you can choose for your birth control needs.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

Both copper and hormonal IUDs can prevent pregnancy for multiple years. Dr. Bridges inserts the small, T-shaped device into your uterus through your cervix. When it needs to be replaced, or if you no longer want to use this type of contraception, the device can simply be pulled out.

FDA-approved hormonal IUDS include the Mirena®, Liletta®, Kyleena®, and Skyla®. Depending on the brand, these devices prevent pregnancy for 3-6 years before needing to be replaced. Hormones released by the device stop you from ovulating, and the device additionally prevents implantation from occurring in your uterus.

The copper IUD by Paragard® is also FDA-approved, preventing pregnancy for 10 years. Copper works as a natural spermicide, preventing fertilization from occurring. The device also prevents implantation. Copper IUDs don’t use any synthetic hormones, making this the best option for some individuals.

Birth control implants

The other type of LARC available to you through Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin are birth control implants. The FDA has approved Nexplanon® implants for birth control. This implant prevents pregnancy for three years by slowly releasing hormones into your system.

Birth control implants prevent ovulation, and also cause changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining that keep you from becoming pregnant.

The implant is about the size and shape of a matchstick. If you choose this type of birth control, Dr. Bridges places your implant in the inner side of your upper arm. 

Birth control implants are discreet, and not visible through your skin to other people. You can have the implant removed at any time if you wish to discontinue treatment, or if you want to try to conceive and become pregnant.

If you’re interested in long-term contraception that still allows you to potentially become pregnant in the future, talk to Dr. Bridges about whether these birth control methods could be right for you.

How you benefit from using LARCs

When you use a LARC, you’re protected from unwanted pregnancy. Depending on the type you opt for, you could have as long as 10 years free from concern about getting pregnant.

Not having to think about your birth control method for a whole decade is a lot of mental space you can dedicate to other concerns. Remember that you may need to protect yourself against sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), though.

LARCs are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, working 99% of the time. You also remain in control of your fertility. It’s easy to remove an IUD or birth control implant if you do decide that you’re ready to start trying to conceive.

To learn more about LARCs, and to get started with a birth control plan that works for your body, lifestyle, and future plans, contact Dr. Bridges at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin today. 

Schedule your initial consultation appointment by calling now, or book with our easy-to-use online tool.