Long-acting reversible contraception is contraception that doesn’t depend on you remembering to take or use it to be effective. It is highly effective at preventing pregnancy.
The hormonal coil can also be used as part of hormone replacement therapy.
The following services will be provided;
- Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Coil,
- Implants,
- Implant removals, and
- Implant/ Coil Replacements.
It is free for patients registered at Sydenham Green Group Practice, The Vale Medical Centre, Woolstone Medical Centre and Wells Park Practice who want safe and effective long lasting but reversible contraception.
To book an appointment, please contact your registered GP practice
Vale Medical Centre: Online Contact (klinik.co.uk)
Woolstone Medical Centre: Patient Access – GP appointments & prescriptions online
Sydenham Green Group Practice: Online Contact (klinik.co.uk)
Wells Park Practice: Contact us about your request (accurx.com)
What are the long-acting reversible contraceptive choices?
There are four types of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).
The contraceptive implant. A small procedure under local anaesthetic is required to insert the small, rod-shaped implant under the skin in your upper arm. This implant releases a progestogen hormone and lasts three years. Read about the contraceptive implant.
The contraceptive injection. An injection of a progestogen hormone is given every three months, most commonly into the muscle in your bottom. Read about the contraceptive injection.
The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). This is also known as ‘the coil’. It sits inside the womb (uterus) and, once fitted, can stay in your womb for up to ten years. Read about the intrauterine contraceptive device.
The intrauterine system (IUS). This is a type of IUCD which also releases a progestogen hormone into the womb. It can last for up to six years. Read about the intrauterine system (IUS).
Why would I choose long-acting reversible contraception?
LARCs are ideal for women who do not want a baby in the near future. The great thing about LARCs is the word “reversible” – so if your situation changes, you can stop using them and become fertile again.
You don’t need to take a tablet every day, so for most LARCs, you can forget about contraception for years at a time. This makes them more reliable.
The main downside is that they all require a small procedure of some sort. However, this does not have to be done very often, and provides long-term, reliable contraception once you have done it.
Different people will prefer different options. Pros and cons of each are weighed up in the separate leaflet called Contraception Methods, and there is plenty of information about each in their individual leaflets as linked above.
Important information if you have booked a LARC appointment
Preparing for your appointment
Before your appointment if you are having a coil inserted it can be helpful to take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you are able to. This can help with any discomfort during and following the procedure.
If you have unprotected sex in the 3 weeks before your appointment you may not be able to have your chosen LARC method. Please make sure you are using a reliable method of contraception during this time or abstain from sex.
If you are having your coil changed, please use condoms or abstain from sex for 1 week before your appointment. The reason for this is if there are difficulties inserted a new coil during the appointment there is a risk you could become pregnant.
If you are due your smear test you will be offered to have this at the same time as your LARC appointment.
Please take the time to read the relevant leaflet on your chosen contraception before your appointment so you are able to ask any questions you may have.
