If you’d like to have children someday but aren’t planning to just yet, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) offers reliable, low-maintenance birth control. You benefit from effective contraception with maximum convenience, letting you focus on your life while maintaining control over your reproductive future.
Long-acting reversible methods of birth control provide extended protection against pregnancy while eliminating the need to remember daily pills or interrupt intimacy to manage contraception. Most importantly, they’re highly effective and reversible, allowing for a quick return to fertility when you’re ready to conceive.
Here’s a look at the long-acting reversible contraception options we offer at Westlake Women’s Health Specialists in Westlake Village, California.
Depo-Provera, an injectable form of the hormone medroxyprogesterone, prevents pregnancy in three ways. It stops ovulation, thickens the cervical mucus, and thins the uterine lining.
Our board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Mandelman, injects Depo-Provera into your muscle tissue every three months, providing a straightforward option for medium-term contraception.
While Depo-Provera is efficient and convenient, it’s worth noting that fertility may take some time to return after stopping the injections. Discuss this with Dr. Mandelman if you plan to conceive soon after discontinuing birth control.
Nexplanon is a flexible, matchstick-sized rod that Dr. Mandelman places under the skin of your upper arm. This implant releases etonogestrel hormone, which prevents ovulation, thins your uterine lining, and thickens cervical mucus to stop pregnancy.
Nexplanon protects you for up to three years, during which time you don’t need to think about contraception. There’s no risk of forgetting a pill, no planning required during intimacy, and Dr. Mandelman can remove it at any time.
Fertility returns to normal almost immediately after Nexplanon implant removal, making it a great choice for those who value both convenience and flexibility.
Hormonal IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that Dr. Mandelman inserts into your uterus. These devices slowly release the hormone levonorgestrel, which thickens cervical mucus and alters the uterine lining to make pregnancy unlikely. Hormonal IUDs provide reliable contraception for years, depending on the type:
Hormonal IUDs not only prevent pregnancy but can also help manage heavy or painful periods. Once removed, fertility quickly returns, allowing you to plan for pregnancy when the time feels right.
For those who prefer a hormone-free option, Paragard is a highly effective IUD made of flexible plastic wrapped in copper. Paragard creates an environment that stops sperm from fertilizing eggs and may prevent implantation. It can help to prevent pregnancy for as long as 10 years.
Choosing long-acting reversible contraception involves considering your personal preferences, lifestyle, and health needs. For example:
What makes long-acting reversible contraception appealing is the freedom it provides. Once in place, there’s little to worry about — no daily pills, disruptions, or complicated routines. Whether you choose an IUD, implant, or injection, these methods give you control over your reproductive health while simplifying your life.
When you’re ready to stop using long-acting reversible contraception, a quick visit to Westlake Women’s Health Specialists is all it takes for removal.
If you’re considering long-acting reversible contraception, talk to Dr. Mandelman. She can help you explore your options and find the one that best aligns with your lifestyle and goals. Call (818) 532-2154 today or inquire online via our Contact Us page.
