LAUNCHED in the Swinging Sixties, the Pill ushered in a whole new era of sexual freedom. But a new revolution in contraception is on its way, and it promises to be a bit of a “LARC”, as PAULINE HOLT reports . . . FOR the last four decades, the Pill has been one of our favourite methods of birth control. Launched in 1961, for married women only, it’s now the contraceptive of choice for three million females in the UK. But, this week, the Government announced a £10m campaign to make young women and teenagers more aware of alternative “long-acting” contraceptives in a bid to cut the number of unwanted pregnancies. More than three quarters of women forget to take their Pill on two or more consecutive days each month . . . the most frequently stated reason by women seeking abortions. It is thought that 400,000 pregnancies a year are unplanned and the north of England has one of the worst rates in the country. GPs are to be told to advise young women to consider options such as the injection, implant or coil, which can last between three months and five years. The Family Planning Association, which launches its Contraceptive Awareness Week on Tuesday, welcomes the move. Chief executive Julie Bentley says: “Long-acting reversible contraception — LARC — fits in with the needs of modern women’s lifestyles. “They’re among the most effective contraceptive methods in preventing pregnancy. “Because LARCs are so effective, they also offer real cost savings to women and the NHS because there is less unplanned pregnancy and abortion. “We also need to remember that access to contraception isn’t just an issue for the young. There are more women in their twenties, thirties and forties using contraception than under-18s.” So just what are the LARC methods and which one is right for you? Here’s a quick guide . . . COIL or IUD THE coil, or intrauterine device, is a plastic and copper “coil” that is placed in the womb. It works by stopping a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb. Pros . . . V Can remain in place for between five and 10 years. V Doesn’t interrupt sex. V Doesn’t involve hormones so works well for women who have had side effects from other methods. V Fertility returns soon after removal. Cons . . . V Least effective of the four LARCs but, nevertheless, less than 20 women per 1000 who have one for five years get pregnant. V Periods can be heavier and, if you do get pregnant, the chance of an ectopic pregnancy is greater. V Doesn’t offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases, STDs. IUS The intrauterine system is the same as an IUD but it also releases a low dose of the hormone progestogen over five years. The hormones make it more difficult for the egg to be fertilised. Pros . . . V Periods may become irregular, but often stop after about a year. V Effective at preventing pregnancy. Cons . . . V Some women develop acne and there is an ectopic pregnancy risk as with the IUD. V Does not protect against STDs. INJECTION A jab given into the upper arm or bottom that slowly releases the hormone progestogen, preventing ovulation. Pros . . . V Extremely effective at preventing pregnancy. V Only needs to be given every 12 weeks and is not affected if the woman has sickness and diarrhoea, as with the Pill. V May offer protection against cancer of the womb and pelvic inflammatory disease. Cons . . . V Many women complain of weight gain and some get irregular bleeding and mood swings. V Can take up to a year for fertility to resume. V No protection against STDs. IMPLANT A 40mm (1.6in) flexible plastic tube is inserted under the skin on the inside of the upper arm which slowly releases progestogen preventing ovulation. Pros . . . V You can forget about it for three years. V The most effective of the four methods at preventing pregnancy. V May reduce period pains and bleeding can stop altogether. Cons . . . V Can be uncomfortable to have it fitted. V Some suffer irregular bleeding and acne and some medication can affect its success. V Does not protect against STDs. For more information call the FPA helpline on 0845-122 8690, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. | 
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