LARC

Long-acting reversible contraception. Includes the implant, IUD, and injection. Most effective because there's nothing to forget.

LARC stands for long-acting reversible contraception. These are types of birth control that last for months or years and are the most effective because there's nothing to remember every day.

Simplify

LARC stands for long-acting reversible . It's a group of contraception methods that last for months or years and are fitted or given by a healthcare professional — including the , the (copper coil), the IUS (hormonal coil), and the . They're the most effective methods available because once they're in place, there's nothing to remember or do.

LARC stands for long-acting reversible contraception.
It includes the implant, IUD, IUS, and injection.
These methods are over 99% effective (except the injection, which is about 94% in typical use).
They're the most effective methods because there's no daily pill to forget or to use correctly each time.
"Reversible" means returns once you stop — they don't permanently affect your ability to get .

[DIAGRAM: Visual comparison of LARC methods (IUD, IUS, implant, injection) showing each device and where it sits in the body]

The LARC methods

The implant — a small rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm. Lasts up to 3 years. Releases progestogen.
The IUD (copper coil) — a T-shaped device placed in the . No . Lasts 5-10 years.
The IUS (hormonal coil) — similar to the IUD but releases progestogen. Lasts 3-8 years depending on the brand.
The injection — a jab given every 8-13 weeks. Sometimes grouped as LARC, though it's shorter-acting than the others.

Each has its own entry in this glossary with more detail.

Why healthcare professionals recommend them

LARC methods are recommended as first-line contraception by NICE (the body that sets NHS guidelines) because they're the most effective. The reason is simple: they remove human error. only works if you take it every day. Condoms only work if you use them correctly every time. LARC methods work in the background with no input from you — which means the gap between "perfect use" and "typical use" effectiveness is tiny.

This doesn't mean LARC is right for everyone. Some people prefer the control of a daily pill. Some don't want anything inserted into their body. Some can't use hormonal methods. The best contraception is the one that actually works for you and your life.

Things people get wrong

"LARC is only for adults." LARC methods are safe and recommended for people of all ages, including teenagers. You can get them under 16 through the .

"Once it's in, you're stuck with it." All LARC methods are reversible. You can have the implant or IUD removed whenever you want, and you can stop having injections at any time. Fertility returns.

"They're harder to get than the pill." They require an appointment for fitting, which takes a bit more planning than picking up a pill prescription. But they're free on the NHS and available from GPs, , and Brook.

Things people ask about LARC

Which LARC method is best?

There's no single best one — it depends on whether you want hormones or not, how you feel about the fitting process, how long you want it to last, and what side effects you're okay with. A clinic can talk you through the options.

Do any of these protect against ?

No. LARC methods only prevent . You'd need condoms for STI protection — using both together (dual protection) is the most comprehensive approach.

Can I get LARC if I've never had sex?

Yes. You don't need to have been sexually active to use LARC. Some people get an IUD or implant before they start having sex, so they're already protected.

Where to get help

Sexual health clinics — can fit all LARC methods, free and confidential.
Your GP — can fit some LARC methods or refer you.
Brook — contraception services for under-25s, including LARC.

LARC stands for long-acting reversible . It means types of birth control that last a long time and are put in place by a doctor or nurse. Once they're in, you don't need to do anything.

The main types are a small rod that goes under the skin of your arm (the ), a small device that goes inside the womb (the coil), and a jab you get every few months (the ).

These are the most effective types of birth control because there's nothing to forget. With a daily pill, you have to remember to take it every day. With a , you have to use it correctly every time. With LARC, it just works in the background.

"Reversible" means you can stop at any time. The rod can be taken out. The device in the womb can be removed. You can stop having the injection. Once you stop, your ability to get comes back.

LARC is safe for people of any age, including teenagers. You don't need to have had sex before to get one.

None of these types protect against infections passed on through sex. You'd need condoms for that. Using both together gives you the most complete protection.

They're all free on the NHS.

Contraception

Methods used to prevent pregnancy during sex. Includes condoms, the pill, implants, IUDs, and more.

Contraception is anything used to stop pregnancy from happening when people have sex. There are lots of types, like condoms, the pill, and things a doctor can put in your body. They're all free in the UK.

Implant

A small rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. Lasts 3 years.

The implant is a tiny plastic rod that goes under the skin of your upper arm. It releases hormones that stop pregnancy. It lasts up to 3 years and is over 99% effective.

IUD

A small T-shaped device placed inside the uterus by a doctor for long-term contraception. Lasts 5-10 years.

An IUD is a small T-shaped device that a doctor or nurse puts inside the womb to stop pregnancy. It's often called "the coil." It lasts 5-10 years and is over 99% effective.

Injection

A hormonal contraceptive injection given every 8-13 weeks. You don't need to remember a daily pill.