Long acting contraception
Long acting Reversible Contraception
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) is a term used to describe methods of contraception which are highly effective in protecting a woman from getting pregnant for an extended period of time. They are the most effective reversible methods of contraception because they do not depend on you remembering to take or use them to be effective.
Long acting contraception includes hormonal methods such as the hormonal coil /IUS, the injection, the sub-dermal implant, and non-hormonal methods such as the copper coil / IUD.
LARCs are reversible which means that it is possible to remove them and once you do you can become pregnant as quickly as someone who is not using contraception. An exception is the injection, where there can be a delay in return to fertility.
All LARCs are covered under the state contraception programme for 17-35-year-olds.
MY FREE OPTIONS #LONG-ACTING
THE INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM (IUS/HORMONAL COIL)
The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestogen hormone for up to 3 - 8 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.
THE INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD/NON-HORMONAL COIL)
The non-hormonal coil comes in 2 forms including the copper coil, a T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire and the copper ball which is a three-dimensional ball like structure comprising copper beads. They available with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where they can prevent pregnancy for up to 5 - 10 years.
THE INJECTION
An injection containing a hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 12-13 weeks.
THE IMPLANT
A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.
Women in Ireland aged 17-35 are eligible for free contraception
Who can access free contraception?
- A female or person with a uterus
- Aged between 17-35
- Living in Republic of Ireland
What information do you need to provide to access the scheme?
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Name and address
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PPS number
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Date of birth
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