LARCs as first-line contraception: What can general practitioners advise young women?

Abstract

Background The use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) is globally accepted as a strategy that is successful in decreasing rates of unintended pregnancy, especially in very young women. Currently, Australia has very low uptake rates of LARC. Objective The aim of this paper is to explore the latest information on using LARCs as first-line contraception in young women. Discussion Low uptake of LARCs may be related to Australia's prevailing cultural norm of oral contraception, and practitioner and patient misperceptions of the safety and efficacy of LARC, which have been dispelled in recent years. LARCs are widely recommended by professional bodies and the World Health Organization..