If you know you want to become pregnant someday — just not anytime soon — long-acting reversible contraception may be a good choice for you. With long-acting reversible contraception, you get effective birth control with little day-to-day hassle.
Options for long-acting reversible contraception include:
- An intrauterine device (Mirena, ParaGard, Skyla)
- A contraceptive implant (Nexplanon)
- A contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera)
You need a prescription from your doctor for this type of birth control. Besides its effectiveness and ease of use, long-acting reversible contraception allows for a return to fertility once you stop using the contraception. With the intrauterine device and contraceptive implant, the return to fertility is prompt. With the contraceptive injection, return to fertility may take a little longer.
The intrauterine device or contraceptive implant requires a visit to your doctor for removal if you decide you no longer want to use this type of birth control.
Aug. 23, 2018
- Frequently asked questions. Contraception FAQ114. Emergency contraception. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Emergency-Contraception. Accessed Jan. 8, 2018.
- Hatcher RA, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 20th ed. New York, N.Y.: Ardent Media; 2011:45.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 20, 2014.