Your GP can provide comprehensive and clear information about what’s to be expected with each option, and ensure you are truly empowered in making the right contraceptive choice for you.
LARC (long-acting reversible contraceptives) are inserted for a period of 3-5 years, depending on the chosen device. All of the LARC options are all more than 99% effective and are immediately reversible when removed, resulting in a rapid return to usual fertility. 1 Most of the Evoca GPs will be able to insert all of the following LARC options, however best to check services provided at your preferred location, found on the locations page.
The implant (Implanon NXT®) is small, flexible and can be inserted under the skin of your inner upper arm. It slowly releases a progestogen hormone that will prevent pregnancies for up to three years. The implant is also completely reversible so you can return to normal fertility quickly. The Implanon NXT® can also minimise painful periods, PMT issues and even acne in some women. 2
A Copper IUD is placed inside the uterus. It is a small plastic device with a copper wire wrapped around the stem. There are two types available in Australia; one lasts up to five years and the other can last up to ten years. The copper IUD works by stopping the sperm from fertilising the egg and also changes the womb lining, so pregnancies are less likely. The copper device can be used as a long-term option or can be fitted up to 5 days after an episode of unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy as an emergency contraceptive option. 3
Hormone-releasing IUD (Mirena or Kyleena) is a small plastic device shaped liked a ‘T’ with a hormone called levonorgestrel in its stem. This is also inserted into the uterus and works by changing your uterus lining so that pregnancies are less likely. The hormone-releasing IUD can last, and stay in place, for up to five years and is 99% effective. It cannot be used as an emergency contraceptive but is a good option for those with heavy periods as it additionally reduces menstrual blood loss by up to 93%. 4
1 https://www.fpnsw.org.au/factsheets/individuals/contraception/long-acting-reversible-contraception-larc
2 https://shvic.org.au/for-you/contraception/contraceptive-implant-implanon
3 https://shvic.org.au/for-you/contraception/iud-intrauterine-device
4 https://shvic.org.au/for-you/contraception/iud-intrauterine-device
Come prepared with a history of your contraceptive use, and details around why they weren’t suitable.
Be ready to describe your cycle and tell us when your last period was.
If you have any family history of illnesses, let us know. This may affect the contraceptive choice so knowing your family history will help us tailor your contraception better.
If you are considering an IUD or implant, you will be provided with instructions on how best to prepare for the day of your fitting. Your GP will discuss with you when your fitting can take place as it needs to be fitted at the right time of your cycle to optimise contraceptive cover.
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Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
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The fitting procedure only takes a few minutes, and you will be able to go home straight afterward. Your GP will routinely review you a month after the fitting to ensure all is going well and that you aren’t having any problems post insertion.
No, studies have consistently failed to demonstrate conclusively that the contraceptive implant causes weight gain.
The hormonal IUDs release a small amount of progesterone which thins the lining of the womb. This can make periods lighter, or sometimes even disappear, despite ongoing ovulation.
The copper IUD generally doesn’t change the cycle but can, in a small proportion of women, cause increased bleeding.
No, your partner should not feel the threads. Sometimes the threads may be a little long post insertion and we can trim these at your check-up visit, 1 month after insertion.
Inserting of the IUD involves a brief period of discomfort during the procedure, but after this and once the device has settled, you should not experience ongoing pain or discomfort.
No, IUDs can be inserted in any woman who is sexually active and does not have an abnormality of her vagina, cervix or uterus. The Kyleena is a specially developed smaller sized IUD designed to fit in women who have not given birth.
No, but the combined pill (with estrogen and progesterone) stops ovulation, so with prolonged use, it can take time after stopping for ovulation to return – this can be up to 12 months.
Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic