Long Acting Reversible (LARCs)

Associated effects

• 1) Changes to bleeding pattern
  • Unscheduled bleeding in the first 3 months is common.
  • Fewer than 25% will have regular bleed. One third will have infrequent bleeding ( Most common), One fifth will have amenoorrhea, and One quarter will have prolonged or frequent bleeding.
• 2) Changes in weight, mood & libido
  • No evidence for causal association.
• 3) Acne, Headache & Skin Atrophy
  • Acne can worsen, improve or newly occured.
  • Headache no evidence of causation.
  • Skin atropy is a potential adverse effects of steroid use (case reports of skin atrophy at the site of subdermal implants).

Risks associated with Insertion or Removal Procedure

NON INSERTION:

• Important to check for non insertion and PALPATE skin after insertion.

DEEP INSERTION:

• Correct position is subcutaneously, just under the skin.
• Deep insertion are more likely as a result of insertion technique.
• May be diificult to remove/locate and greater potential for neurovascular injury, infection and scar formation

Removal

• There is no need for additional precautions or abstinence prior to removal , providing it occurs no later than 3 years after insertion.
• After removal , effective contraception is required immediately if pregnancy is not desired.