Advising patients on long-acting reversible contraception

Women with contraception needs should be given information about and offered a choice of all methods according to NICE. Women should also be counselled regarding long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods.¹ It is worth considering that LARCS are more cost effective than the combined oral contraceptive pill even at one year of use.¹ NICE advises that increasing the number of women who choose a LARC method may reduce the numbers of unintended pregnancies. Contraceptive counselling should be individualised to the woman and her needs. Furthermore, efficacy, risks and benefits, how to start and stop contraception should be discussed.¹ Importantly the risk of sexually transmitted infections should be assessed. This review focusses on LARC methods.