Table 1.
LARC Methods Currently Available in the United States
| Currently Available LARC Methods | Clinical points |
|---|---|
| 52mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system | • 99.8% effective1 • FDA-approved for 5 years of contraceptive coverage2 • FDA-approved for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding2 • Effective treatment for dysmenorrhea3 |
| 13.5mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system | • 99.8% effective1 • FDA-approved for 3 years of contraceptive coverage4 |
| Copper T380A intrauterine device | • 99.2% effective1 • FDA-approved for 10 years of contraceptive coverage5 • Only non-hormonal method of LARC • Most effective form of emergency contraception up to 5 days after unprotected sex6 |
| Single-rod 68mg etonogestrel implant | • 99.9% effective1 • FDA-approved for 3 years of contraceptive coverage7 • Because no pelvic exam is required, it may be more desirable for teenagers8 |
1
Trussell, 2011, Contraceptive efficacy
2
Mirena Package Insert
3
Jensen JT. Noncontraceptive applications of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system. Curr Womens Health Rep 2002;2:417–22.
4
Skyla Package Insert
5
Paragard Package Insert
6
Wu S, Godfrey EM, Wojdyla D, et al. Copper T380A intrauterine device for emergency contraception: A prospective, multicenter, cohort clinical trial. BJOG 2010;117:1205-1220
7
Nexplanon package insert
8
Rosenstock JR, Peipert JF, Madden T, et al. Continuation of reversible contraception in teenagers and young women. Obstet Gynecol 2012;120:1298-1305.