Long-Acting Reversible Contraception, also known as LARC, are forms of contraception that don’t depend on you remembering to take or use to be effective – they are highly effective at preventing pregnancy.

Coils and Implants are examples of LARC, which have many advantages over alternative contraception methods (like the pill) such as:

1. Highly Effective

   • Over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy — among the most reliable forms of contraception available.

   • No “user error” like forgetting a pill or misusing condoms.

2. Long-Lasting Protection

   • Works for 3–10 years depending on the method, or up to 3 years for the implant.

   • No need to remember daily, weekly, or monthly doses.

3. Reversible

   • Fertility usually returns quickly once the device is removed.

4. Low Maintenance

   • “Fit and Forget” — once inserted, you don’t have to think about it until it’s time to replace or remove it.

5. Cost-Effective Over Time

   • As this is a sevice provided by the NHS there is no initial cost to the patient, thus becomes much more cost-effective that buying shorter-term contraceptives (even if on prescription).

6. Suitable for Most People (Non-Hormonal IUD)

   • Safe for many who cannot use hormonal contraception (due to specific health conditions or other risk factors).

7. Can Improve Period Symptoms (Hormonal IUS)

   • Can make periods lighter, less painful, or stop them altogether in some cases.

If you would like to access this service please ask your health centre for more information — Alternatively, for anyone registered with a Liverpool GP, you can also self refer to the LARC service by filling out this LARC Service Self-Referral Form. 

PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ THIS PRIVACY NOTICE before sending your self referral.  The document explains how your confidential information is collected and used. Any personal data sent to the CLPCN LARC service will be treated as confidential in line with the principles of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The data will be visible to trained NHS staff only.

If you have any questions please email CLPCN-Larc.Service@livgp.nhs.uk

FSRH have a dedicated online patient resource ‘Contraception Choices’. Developed by a team of doctors, nurses, and researchers from University College London (UCL) in collaboration with young women, Contraception Choices aims to help people decide which method of contraception might suit them best via information based on research evidence and theory, professional guidelines, and user views and experiences of contraception.

The United Kingdom Medicines Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has approved an extension to the Mirena licence from 5 years to 8 years for contraception. There has not been an extension to the licensed duration of use when being used for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding, or for endometrial protection as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).