For many young women, contraception still feels like a narrow field: the pill, condoms, and not much else. Old myths don’t help. Some still believe that IUDs aren’t suitable for women who haven’t had children, or that long‑acting methods might cause infertility.
These ideas persist quietly in the background of many consultations, shaping expectations before the conversation even begins. The truth is far more reassuring — and far more empowering.
What Are Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)?
Long‑acting reversible contraceptives, or LARCs, offer reliable, low‑maintenance protection for years at a time. They include intrauterine devices (copper and hormonal), the contraceptive implant, the Depo‑Provera injection, and the vaginal hormonal ring. Their appeal is simple: once in place, they work quietly in the background, freeing young women from the daily routine of remembering a pill.
Copper IUD: A hormone‑free option
The copper IUD is a small, hormone‑free device placed inside the uterus. It prevents pregnancy by affecting sperm movement and lasts between three and ten years, depending on the brand.
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Periods may become heavier or crampier at first, but many women appreciate having a long‑term option without hormones. It’s widely used across Asia, including India, and is increasingly chosen by young women who prefer a natural method.
Hormonal IUD: Lighter periods, long‑term ease
Hormonal IUDs, such as Mirena, release a small amount of progestogen directly into the uterus. They provide contraception for up to eight years and often lead to lighter periods — sometimes no periods at all. Some irregular bleeding is common early on, but this usually settles as the body adjusts.
Implanon: A set‑and‑forget arm implant
The contraceptive implant is a small rod placed under the skin of the upper arm. It steadily releases progestogen and works for up to three years. The main drawback is unpredictable bleeding — while many women have light or manageable cycles, around one in four experience patterns they find inconvenient.
Depo‑Provera: The 12‑week injection
Depo‑Provera is an injection given every 12 weeks. It’s effective and convenient, though some users notice changes in their bleeding pattern, and fertility may take time to return after stopping. Long‑term use may also affect bone density, so it’s not always the first choice for younger women.
Vaginal ring: Predictable cycles without the daily pill
The vaginal ring is worn inside the vagina for three weeks, followed by a ring‑free week. It releases hormones steadily and tends to produce predictable cycles, like the combined pill, but without the daily commitment.
Why LARCs stand out
LARCs are more than 99 per cent effective with typical use — far higher than the pill or condoms. They have very few medical restrictions and can be used safely by many women who cannot take the pill. Importantly, there is no evidence that any of these methods causes future infertility. No evidence of weight gain with any contraception except Depo-Provera.
Women may be anxious about IUD insertion, especially women who have never had children. Tolerated much better than previously thought. Women who are concerned can be advised to take ibuprofen/paracetamol before the procedure. Mild sedation can be used for IUD insertion in especially anxious women.
For adolescents, confidentiality and consent are key. Young people should know they have the right to private health care, and that seeking contraception is generally considered evidence of competence, provided there is no coercion. Because sexually transmitted infections are more common in this age group, condoms should still be encouraged alongside any chosen method.
What you need to know:
LARCs are safe, effective, and well‑tolerated options for young women — including those who haven’t had children. They offer years of reliable protection with minimal effort and fewer medical restrictions than many people realise.
Whether hormonal or hormone‑free, they offer long‑term peace of mind with minimal effort. Understanding these options helps young women make informed choices about their reproductive health. When young women are given the full picture, they don’t just choose contraception — they choose confidence.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.