LARC - meaning and definition
Alsolong-acting reversible contraceptionlong-acting contraceptionlong-acting reversible contraceptivelong acting contraceptives
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
LARC stands for long-acting reversible contraception: methods such as the implant and IUDs that last for years but can be removed at any time.
At a glance
- LARC stands for long-acting reversible contraception.
- It includes the implant and IUDs, which last for years.
- There is almost no gap between perfect and typical use, as they need no daily action.
- Fertility returns soon after an implant or IUD is removed.
- The injection is sometimes grouped with LARC, although it must be repeated every few months.
In detail
Because they work without any daily or monthly action, LARC methods have almost no gap between perfect and typical use, making them the most effective reversible options, at more than 99%. The contraceptive injection is sometimes grouped with them, although it needs repeating every few months.
Fertility returns soon after an implant or IUD is removed. Professional bodies such as ACOG encourage clinicians to offer LARC to anyone who wants highly effective contraception, including young people and those who have never been pregnant, while respecting that the choice is always the user's.
In a sentence
- The clinic leaflet recommended LARC for anyone who wants highly effective contraception.
- She asked her doctor about LARC options before starting university.
Where the word comes from
The acronym came into wide use in public health guidance in the 2000s, as professional bodies began promoting implants and IUDs as first-line options.
Not to be confused with
- Sterilisation
Sterilisation is intended to be permanent, while LARC methods are fully reversible.
Common questions
Can young people or people who have never been pregnant use LARC?
Yes. Professional bodies such as ACOG encourage clinicians to offer LARC to anyone who wants highly effective contraception, including young people and those who have never been pregnant, while respecting that the choice is always the user's.
Why is LARC so effective?
Because it works without any daily or monthly action, there is almost no room for human error, so typical-use effectiveness stays above 99%.