title: Long-term contraceptives.
abstract: To avoid unintended pregnancy, women in the UK need to consistently use reliable contraception for over 30 years. The long-acting reversible contraceptive methods compromise the progestogen-only implant, the progestogen-only injectable contraceptive, the copper-bearing intra-uterine device and the levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine system. These methods of contraception are highly reliable in pregnancy prevention, and are amongst the medically safest methods for users. Despite this, these long-acting methods are used by less than 10% of the UK population. National guidance has advised that increasing uptake of these long-acting methods will reduce the unplanned pregnancy rate. In addition, these methods are more cost effective than the oral contraceptive even at 1 year of use. Obstetricians and gynaecologists frequently come into contact with women requiring contraceptive advice, and should have a sound knowledge of the long-acting methods.
authors.affiliation: Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow, Scotland G3 7NB, UK. audreybrown@nhs.net
authors.forename: Audrey
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods*; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000075202:Contraindications; D004343:Drug Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper / Q000009:adverse effects; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011372:Progestins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004343:Drug Implants; D011372:Progestins