'Having a LARC' is txtm8's campaign to help increase awareness and understanding of LARC (Long Acting Reversible Contraception).
LARC offers the same level of protection against pregnancy as the contraceptive pill (over 99%) but the key advantage is that it doesn’t need to be taken every day and can last for anything from eight weeks to 10 years before reapplication. LARC are free, safe, reliable and work while you get on with your life. Meaning that you don't have to remember to use them.
Types of LARC
There are currently four types of LARC. Click on each to find out more:
Where to get it
Contraceptive services are free and confidential, including to people under 16 as long as they are mature enough to understand the information and decisions involved. There are strict guidelines to for care professionals who work with people under 16.
To find your nearest contraception clinic you can text txtm8 for free on 89868. Or use txtm8’s Find a Local Service. Select ‘Contraception’, then enter a Postcode or Town and click 'Search'.
You can also look in the phone book under 'sexual health', or use the NHS Choices service search or the fpa clinic finder. More information about contraception is also available at www.nhs.uk or for free confidential advice call 0800 28 29 30.
Our Campaign
As part of our "Having a LARC' campaign, posters and leaflets have been developed by young women who have themselves become pregnant at a young age to target their peers who might benefit from using LARC. These have been displayed and distributed in a variety of venues across London boroughs including GP surgeries, pharmacies, youth clubs, schools, collegses and clinics.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Contraceptive methods allow you to choose when and if you want to have a baby, but they don’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Using a condom properly helps to protect against STIs and pregnancy, so whatever method of contraception you're using to prevent pregnancy, use condoms as well to protect your and your partner’s health. Always buy condoms that have the CE mark on the packet. This means that they've been tested to the high European safety standards. Condoms that don't have the CE mark won't meet these standards, so don't use them. And always read the instructions if you're not sure how to use them.
