Long-acting reversible contraceptives

Key content: The majority of women use the less reliable methods of contraception. The majority of oral contraceptive users miss two or three pills per packet. Thinking has changed from promoting user-dependent to user-independent contraceptive methods. Intrauterine devices do not cause pelvic infection or ectopic pregnancy. There is no lower age limit for users of any long-acting reversible contraceptives, including intrauterine devices. Learning objectives: To understand the advantages of user-independent methods of contraception. To be able to combat myths and misunderstandings relating to them. Ethical issues: Fraser competence should be sought whenever a new method of contraception is chosen by someone under 16 who is not involving their parents in their decision. Some people may find the intrauterine copper device unacceptable, as one of its contraceptive actions may be to prevent an embryo from implanting.