What do we mean by LARC?
The most commonly used LARCs are IUD’s (both copper and hormonal e.g. Mirena and Kyleena) and Implanon’s. They are among the most effective forms of contraception available. They provide reliable, low-maintenance protection for years and are fully reversible when stopped. For a full description of these products, please follow the links below to Sexual Health Victoria’s website.
Contraceptive Implant | Implanon insertion & side effects – Sexual Health Victoria
IUD Contraception | Mirena & Copper IUD – Sexual Health Victoria
Why talk about these now?
Despite these benefits, Australia lags behind many Western countries in LARC use. In nations such as the UK, France, and Scandinavia, LARCs are widely used and often the first choice of contraception recommended by healthcare providers. In contrast, uptake in Australia remains significantly lower, with many people continuing to rely on short-term methods like the pill or condoms.
The reasons are complex. Access to trained providers, awareness of options, and upfront costs have all played a role. However, from November 2025, Medicare rebates for LARC procedures will increase to approximately double their current amount, making them more affordable and accessible for Australians.
Additionally, to improve access to effective contraception, Medicare has announced plans to fund free training for health professionals in the insertion and removal of LARCs, including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the Implanon® implant.
Currently, GPs and nurses need to self-fund additional postgraduate training to perform these procedures, and limited availability has been a barrier for many patients. By covering the cost of this training, Medicare aims to increase the number of qualified providers across Australia, making LARCs more widely accessible.
Where can I get one fitted?
We are in the fortunate position that all our GP’s at Sage Medical offer Implanon insertion and removal. Both Dr Kirsten Henderson and Dr Sumita Biles offer IUD insertion and removal, and several of our GP’s offer IUD removal.
If you are interested in having a LARC fitted, you’ll need to start the process with a pre-insertion appointment with one of our doctors to assess your eligibility. We recommend a standard 15-minute appointment for an Implanon consultation and a longer 30- minute appointment for an IUD consultation, or if you would like a longer discussion about your contraception options. Sometimes, people prefer to have their IUD inserted under a general anaesthetic. This requires a referral to a Gynaecologist for the procedure to be done in hospital.
Who can have one fitted?
- Anyone who requires contraception with only a few exceptions ( e.g. undiagnosed irregular vaginal bleeding, being treated currently for breast cancer or severe liver disease).
- Those women who are looking to use the LARC as part of their HRT regimen
- For Endometriosis/ Painful Period symptom management
There is no minimal age limit, and the devices are fitted with good gentle pain management techniques and with the support of our lovely nurses at Sage Medical.
To book your contraceptive discussion appointment with Dr Kirsten, please:
📞 Call us on 03 8606 3206
🌐 Or click here to book online
