"VSports" LARC (Long-Acting Reversible Contraception)

What are the benefits of using LARCs?

Many women choose IUDs and implants as their primary form of birth control because they’re:

• Safe: The current IUDs on the market go through rigorous vetting and testing to ensure that they’re safe before receiving FDA approval.
• Effective: LARCs are the most effective birth control method you can choose. Birth control pills — when taken consistently — have the same 99% effectiveness rate as LARCs. But many women forget to take them, decreasing their effectiveness to around 91%. LARCs don’t have the same margin of error.
• Low-maintenance: Once your provider inserts your IUD or implant, it will prevent pregnancy for years without any work on your part.
• Cost-effective: Although they’re expensive upfront (exceeding $1,000 out-of-pocket in some cases), they may be more cost-effective in the long run than contraception that requires frequent visits to the pharmacy. Medicaid and many insurance companies cover FDA-approved forms of LARC.
• Good for your sex life: With LARCs, you don’t have to interrupt the spontaneity of sex by having to reach for a condom or your diaphragm.

Certain types of LARCs offer additional benefits, such as:

• Relieving pain from endometriosis (implants, certain types of hormonal IUDs).
• Relieving pain associated with menstrual cramps (certain types of hormonal IUDs).
• Reducing heavy menstrual bleeding (Mirena® is FDA certified to treat HMB).
• Reducing your risk of endometrial, cervical and uterine cancer (certain types of IUDs).
• Preventing pregnancy if inserted within five days of having unprotected sex (copper IUD).

What are the side effects of LARCs?

All LARCs may disrupt your period. Copper IUDs may lead to heavier bleeding and more painful cramping during your period. Hormonal IUDs lessen period bleeding and may cause you to miss periods (amenorrhea). Implants can have either effect. These irregularities may last for several months or even a year before your period returns to normal. Your period may be irregular for the entire time you have your IUD or implant.

Side effects may include:

Copper IUDs

• Heavy period bleeding.
• Painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).
• Increased risk of developing non-cancerous ovarian cysts.

Hormonal IUDs

• Irregular periods.
• Missed periods.
• Increased risk of developing non-cancerous ovarian cysts.
• Breast tenderness.
• Headaches.
• Mood changes.
• Nausea.

Implants

• Heavy period bleeding.
• Irregular periods.
• Missed periods.
• Spotting in between periods.
• Mood changes.
• Mild levels of insulin resistance.

What are the complications associated with LARCs?

LARCs are considered safe, with very little risk of complications. When they do occur, complications may include:

• An IUD slipping out of your uterus (more likely within the first few months of insertion when you’re on your period).
• An IUD puncturing your uterus during insertion.
• An implant slipping out of your arm, often resulting from improper insertion or an infection.
• An infection after the insertion of an IUD or implant.

Your pregnancy may be considered high-risk if you do become pregnant. Given how effective implants and IUDs are, your chance of becoming pregnant is slim.