Language for IUDs and Implants (LARC)

It is important to let the patient know that they can always come in to have an IUD or implant removed for any reason: this is their right. Make sure they know what to expect and that you are available to help manage side effects if they experience any. Also, it is important to stress that return to fertility is immediate.

Consider using the following phrase anytime you are discussing an IUD:

 “This IUD is good for up to _____years [12 years if copper; 7 years if levonorgestrel 52 mg; 5 years if Kyleena; 3 years if Skyla], but if you want to get pregnant before then or you would like it removed for any reason, come in, we will remove it, and your ability to get pregnant will immediately return to whatever is normal for you.”

 

Consider using the following phrase anytime you are discussing an implant:

“This implant is good for up to 4 years, but if you want to get pregnant before then, or you would like it removed for any reason, come in, we will remove it and your ability to get pregnant will return to whatever is normal for you immediately.”

​

​

·       Consider using the words “to place,” “placing,” or “placement,” rather than "to insert," "inserting," or "insertion" when referring to an IUD or Implant. This may feel less invasive to a person who is considering having a foreign body placed in their body. Considering that stents are “placed” in coronary arteries, this language is consistent and reasonable.

​

·       Patients generally do not know what the term LARC (Long Acting Reversible Contraception) means. Each LARC method is a separate method and it doesn’t help the patient to group them together.

​

·       The words “long-acting” can make someone feel like they are losing control.

​

·       It is best is to refer to each method by its own name, and then refer to  effectiveness as one of its attributes (e.g., "works very well to prevent pregnancy").