The most effective form of contraception are collectively known as the LARCS and you will
see this in articles as L-A-R-C-S. There are four of these methods and it is perhaps worth taking
a moment to look at each. The first is something called Depo-Provera,
which is an injection inserted into the upper arm intramuscularly every 12 weeks. This is
a method that has been around for a long time and is highly effective, but is becoming less
popular now as the other methods have been produced.
The next method to consider is the intrauterine system and that most popularly used is the
Mirena. This is a plastic T-shape device that is inserted into the uterus and has progesterone
on the downward stem which gradually infuses into the endometrium.
The copper intrauterine device is the next LARC method and these are usually T-shaped
devices inserted into the uterus and they can last anywhere between 5 and 10 years depending
on the device. The final method is at the subdermal implant
called Nexplanon. This is a device that is about the size the small hair grip and is
inserted with the use of local anesthetic into the upper arm.
These are then the most effective four methods but they are not 100% effective. There is
a wide variety of choice of really effective methods but if you’re looking for the most
effective, go for the LARCs. When you go to see a professional for consultation
of contraception, you should expect the person you see to be welcoming, caring and very ready
to listen to what you have to say and the consultation should be unhurried. They will
need to ask you some questions and will probably start with asking you what form of contraception
you’re currently using if you are and what you like about it and what you don’t.
It is important to look at the past gynaecological history and in particular the nature of the
periods you have. Equally important is the questions about your sexual history because
this is relevant to choosing one form of contraception or not. It is important for example if you’ve
had chlamydia or similar, that this is discussed at this consultation.
Once the history has been taken and you’ve been give opportunity to ask any questions
or give any information hasn't come to light, then it is usually appropriate to have an
examination and this should be carried out with a chaperon present with your dignity
respected and maintained throughout. Once all that is finished and you’re sitting
back down again, the doctor should then put on the table as it were the methods of contraception
from a medical perspective that would be suitable for you to consider.
Approachability is really important and I would suggest that you look for the open access
type of arrangement so if you have any problems, you can get back in touch with your specialist.
Otherwise, a follow-up appointment is needed for contraception once it started so for example,
for any intrauterine devices a follow up at six weeks will be appropriate and hormonal
methods follow up at three months. Fortunately, contraception is widely available.
Pharmacies do provide services including the provision of condoms and some also can provide
emergency contraception. If you’re looking towards a doctor or a nurse to provide you services,
then it would be helpful to look to see if they’ve got a contraceptive qualification.
So therefore, you can get services at your GP surgery at family planning clinics and
sexual health clinics. Fortunately, therefore, the provision of contraception is widely available.