“We know from the Choice Project research that long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are highly reliable, desirable methods of "fit & forget" contraceptives and countries that have high rates of LARC use have lower unplanned pregnancy and abortion rates,” Dr Karen Osborne, Clinical Director of Clinic 66 tells Women’s Health.
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“We want to get as many women to use the more effective LARC methods rather than the higher risk and more inconvenient contraceptive pill. We need to make all LARCS as affordable for women as possible so that they have a better range of choice.”
In comparison to a global benchmark of 15 per cent, around 12.5 per cent of Aussies rely on long-acting reversible contraceptives. As well as Kyleena, other popular choices include the Mirena and ParaGard, a non-hormonal copper IUD.
The benefits of using these forms of birth control include:
- Long-acting (5years for Mirena, Kyleena and smaller non-hormonal copper IUDS - 10 Years for the Copper T standard)
- "Fit & Forget" forms of contraception, they work 24 hours a day 7 days a week, you don't have to remember to take something or do something
- Cost-effective over time
- Highly effective forms of contraception (well over 99% effective)
- Reversible with no effects on long term fertility, much lower hormone dose compared to pills and injections
- Have a very localised effect on the uterus only without affecting the rest of the body
- Very well-tolerated in the majority of women
- Kyleena and Mirena reduce period pain
- Mirena can also be used treating for menstrual problems and also as one component of HRT
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