LARCs less user-dependent

LONG acting reversible contraceptive methods, or “LARCs”, are less user-dependent in reducing unintended pregnancies and should become more accessible, according to Alison Verhoeven, chief executive of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA).

AHHA has released a ‘Consensus Statement on the use of LARCs’, reflecting the views of consumers and leading health professionals and experts attending a recent Merck Sharp Θ Dohme-funded AHHA workshop on this topic.

“When we talk of LARCs we mean progestogen-only implant and hormonal and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs)”, Verhoeven said.

“The uptake of LARCs is low in Australia - yet clinical and other experts, both here and internationally, recommend them as the most effective reversible contraceptive, within the context of informed choice.

“The release of the contraceptive pill in 1961 led to huge changes in women’s lives as they assumed control over their reproductive future.

“The pill continues to be used widely - estimates for primary contraceptive method for Australian women are that 33% use oral contraceptives, 30% condoms, and 19% sterilisation.”

Around 60% of Australian women who have had an unintended pregnancy were using contraception - most notably the pill (43%) and condoms (22%).

The problem with the pill was usually a missed dose, Verhoeven explained.

“As a first step, women must be supported to make an informed choice about contraception,” she added, recommending this start at secondary school ages onwards.

Other recommendations from the Consensus Statement include the need for training programs for health professionals around implant and IUD insertion and removal, as well as better national data sources on contraceptive use and pregnancy outcomes, to ensure that policy development and needs assessments are evidence-based. The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association describes itself as the national peak body for public and not-for-profit hospitals, community and primary healthcare services.

Visit ahha.asn.au to access the Consensus Statement.