We’re the sexual health charity FPA. We give straightforward information, advice and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.
- Help and advice
- Find a clinic
- How to get help with your sexual health
- Contraception
- Your guide to contraception
- Contraception after having a baby
- Emergency contraception
- Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
- Contraceptive implant
- Contraceptive injection
- IUD (Intrauterine device )
- IUS (Intrauterine system)
- Combined pill
- Progestogen-only pill (POP)
- Contraceptive patch
- Contraceptive vaginal ring
- Condoms (male and female)
- Diaphragm and caps
- Sterilisation (male and female)
- Natural family planning
- Bodyworks: understanding reproduction
- My contraception tool
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Planning a pregnancy
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Sexual problems
- Sexual assault services
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- HPV vaccine
- Parents and carers
- Sexual health books
- FPA helplines
- Ask WES, online enquiry service
- Where else can I get help?
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC): your guide
The four methods of long-acting reversible contraception do not depend on you remembering to take or use them to be effective.
The figures quoted on this page for how well each method works are based on extensive independent research.
Read this information to find out about the:
Contraceptive implant
Effectiveness
Over 99 per cent effective. Less than one woman in 1,000 will get pregnant over three years.
How it works
A small flexible rod is put under the skin of the upper arm. It releases the hormone progestogen. It stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to stop sperm reaching an egg, and thins the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent a fertilised egg implanting.
How long it lasts
Works for three years but can be taken out sooner.
How it affects periods
Your periods may stop, be irregular or longer.
How it affects fertility
When the implant is removed your fertility will return to normal.
How it is inserted/removed
A doctor or nurse numbs your skin in the inner area of your upper arm with a local anaesthetic and inserts the implant. It takes a few minutes and feels similar to having an injection. To remove it, the doctor or nurse uses a local anaesthetic, makes a tiny cut and gently pulls the implant out.
Further information
Find out more about the contraceptive implant.
Contraceptive injection
Effectiveness
Over 99 per cent effective. Less than four women in 1,000 will get pregnant over two years.
How it works
It releases the hormone progestogen which stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg and thins the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilised egg implanting.
How long it lasts
Lasts for 12 weeks (Depo-Provera) or eight weeks (Noristerat).
How it affects periods
Your periods may stop, be irregular or longer.
How it affects fertility
Your periods and fertility may take time to return after you stop using the injection.
How it is inserted/removed
The hormone is injected into a muscle, usually in your buttocks. Depo-Provera can also be injected into the arm. Noristerat is a thicker solution so may be more painful to receive. The injection cannot be removed from the body so any side effects may continue for as long as it works and for some time afterwards.
Further information
Find out more about the contraceptive injection.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Effectiveness
Over 99 per cent effective. Less than two women in 100 will get pregnant over five years. Older IUDs have less copper and are less effective.
How it works
A small plastic and copper device is put into the uterus. It stops sperm reaching an egg, and may also stop a fertilised egg implanting in the uterus.
How long it lasts
Can stay in 5–10 years depending on type but can be taken out sooner.
How it affects periods
Your periods may be heavier or longer or more painful.
How it affects fertility
When the IUD is removed your fertility will return to normal.
How it is inserted/removed
A doctor or nurse will insert the IUD. This takes 15–20 minutes. It can be uncomfortable or painful and you may want to use a local anaesthetic. The IUD has two soft threads which hang through the opening of the uterus. A doctor or nurse can remove the IUD by pulling gently on its threads.
Further information
Find out more about the IUD.
Intrauterine system (IUS)
Effectiveness
Over 99 per cent effective. Less than one woman in 100 will get pregnant over five years.
How it works
A small, T-shaped plastic device, which releases the hormone progestogen, is put into the uterus. This thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg, thins the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilised egg implanting, and may stop ovulation.
How long it lasts
Works for five years but can be taken out sooner.
How it affects periods
Your periods usually become lighter, shorter and sometimes less painful. They may stop altogether.
How it affects fertility
When the IUS is removed your fertility will return to normal.
How it is inserted/removed
A doctor or nurse will insert the IUS. This takes 15–20 minutes. It can be uncomfortable or painful and you may want to use a local anaesthetic. The IUS has two soft threads which hang through the opening of the uterus. A doctor or nurse can remove the IUS by pulling gently on its threads.
Further information
Find out more about the IUS.
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