Are you trying to find the best long-term birth control option? It’s important to understand the pros and cons related to different methods. One choice may work well for one individual and not for another.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your unique situation. They can help you find the best option for you. In this article, you will learn about different long-term, reversible methods for birth control.

Initial Considerations About Birth Control

Deciding about the best birth control option is an individual choice.  How long would you like to defer pregnancy? Are you planning at any time to have children? If you want to prevent pregnancy for at least 1 year, a long-term reversible method is a good choice.

Long-Term Birth Control

Contraception is one of many lifestyle choices individuals make. It’s valuable to have a healthcare provider that listens to what you want.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) targets those who wish to wait more than a year for pregnancy. These methods offer ease of use, long-lasting effects, and quick reversal. LARCs available in the USA are Intrauterine devices (IUD’s), which can be with or without hormones and the implant that is inserted into the upper arm.

LARCs have less than a 1 out of 1000 chance of a woman becoming pregnant. Oral contraceptives have a pregnancy risk of 9 out of 1000 women.

Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)

The copper IUD does not use any hormones. It’s a T-shaped device made of copper wire. Polyethylene material wraps around the wire.

This stops pregnancy by decreasing the sperm’s movement and viability. This means that the sperm can’t reach the egg to fertilize it.

The US Food and Drug Administration approved its continuous use for up to 10 years. The most common problems reported by women are heavy bleeding with periods and pain.

Progestin Only IUDs

Some IUDs release levonorgestrel which is a synthetic steroid hormone. Its effects are similar to progesterone.

They stop pregnancy by changing the amount and thickness of the cervical mucus. By stimulating these changes, the sperm can’t pass through the cervix.

Several brands that have approval for continuous use over 5 years include Kyleena, Liletta, and Mirena. The Skyla brand lasts for 3 years.

Nexplanon® Implant

The third type of LARC is the contraceptive implant.  The 4 cm by 2 mm rod is often placed on the inside of the upper arm under the skin. This implant may remain in place for up to 3 years.

Are You Interested In Long Term Contraception?

If you do not wish to become pregnant for more than a year, a long-term birth control may be for you. The Center for Health and Wellbeing cares about your life choices. We provide integrative approaches to help you achieve your health goals.

Our patients report that they like our individualized and tailored approach to wellness. Contact us today for an appointment.