What are LARCs?
LARC stands for “Long-acting reversible contraceptives”. These are methods of birth control that provide contraception over an extended period without the user having to do anything. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and subdermal contraceptive implants, and are the most effective reversible methods of contraception largely due to the fact that their effectiveness is not reliant on patient compliance.
The 'typical use' failure rates of IUDs and implants, at less than 1% per year, are about the same as 'perfect use' failure rates. By comparison, the male condom (currently the only reversible method of contraception for sperm-producers) has a ‘perfect use’ failure rate of around 3% and a ‘typical use’ failure rate around 4 times that at 12%.
In addition to being long-lasting, convenient, and well-liked by users, they are very cost effective. Typically, LARC users can save thousands of dollars over a five-year period compared to the use of condoms and birth control pills. Despite their safety and effectiveness, though, LARCs are underutilized: only around 14% of women of reproductive age use intrauterine contraception.
LARCs are recommended for women of any age no matter how many times they have given birth, and are especially recommended for teens and adolescent users due to their safety and effectiveness, as well as the additional benefits related to menstrual cycle management.
Though sperm-producers are biologically not able to take advantage of IUDs, the potential for LARCs designed for these users is very exciting, and there is existing evidence of demand for these types of contraceptives. Several MCI grantees are researching and developing methods within this product category, so we encourage you to visit our website often for updates.
As always, though, people considering using LARCs, or any other contraceptive method, should obtain contraceptive counseling from reproductive health professionals.
The 'typical use' failure rates of IUDs and implants, at less than 1% per year, are about the same as 'perfect use' failure rates. By comparison, the male condom (currently the only reversible method of contraception for sperm-producers) has a ‘perfect use’ failure rate of around 3% and a ‘typical use’ failure rate around 4 times that at 12%.
In addition to being long-lasting, convenient, and well-liked by users, they are very cost effective. Typically, LARC users can save thousands of dollars over a five-year period compared to the use of condoms and birth control pills. Despite their safety and effectiveness, though, LARCs are underutilized: only around 14% of women of reproductive age use intrauterine contraception.
LARCs are recommended for women of any age no matter how many times they have given birth, and are especially recommended for teens and adolescent users due to their safety and effectiveness, as well as the additional benefits related to menstrual cycle management.
Though sperm-producers are biologically not able to take advantage of IUDs, the potential for LARCs designed for these users is very exciting, and there is existing evidence of demand for these types of contraceptives. Several MCI grantees are researching and developing methods within this product category, so we encourage you to visit our website often for updates.
As always, though, people considering using LARCs, or any other contraceptive method, should obtain contraceptive counseling from reproductive health professionals.
Nuts & Bolts: LARCs
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