Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring user action. They include injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and subdermal contraceptive implants. They are the most effective reversible methods of contraception because their efficacy is not reliant on patient compliance. The typical use failure rates of IUDs and implants, less than 1% per year, are about the same as perfect use failure rates. LARCS are convenient, enjoyable and cost effective. Typically, users save thousands of dollars over a five-year period compared to those who buy condoms and birth control pills. About 15.5% of women worldwide use IUDs, and 3.4% use subdermal implants. LARCS are recommended to adolescents to decrease the teen pregnancy rate. They work in women of any age and number of births. Women may consider family planning advice beforehand. Methods LARC methods include IUDs and the subdermal implant: Hormonal intrauterine device (Mirena – also known as IUC or IUS) Nonhormonal intrauterine device with copper (US – ParaGard) Subdermal contraceptive implant (US – Nexplanon/Implanon/Implanon NXT; internationally – Norplant/Jadelle) Some shorter-acting methods are sometimes considered LARC: Progestogen-only injectable contraceptive Combined injectable contraceptive Medical use The effectiveness of LARC methods has been shown to be superior to other types of birth control. A study in 2012, with the largest cohort of IUD and implant users to date, found that the risk of contraceptive failure for those using oral contraceptive pills, the birth control patch, or the vaginal ring was 17 to 20 times higher than the risk for those using long-acting reversible contraception. For those under 21, who typically have lower adherence to drug regimens, the risk is twice as high as the risk among older participants. A statistically significant association has been observed in England between a decrease in teenage conception and increased LARC usage. The discrepancy between LARC methods and other forms of birth control lies in the difference between "perfect use" and "typical use". Perfect use indicates complete adherence to medication schedules and guidelines. Typical use describes effectiveness in real-world conditions, where patients may not fully adhere to medication regimens. LARC methods require little to no user action after insertion; therefore, LARC perfect use failure rates are the same as their typical use failure rates. LARC failure rates rival that of sterilization, but unlike sterilization LARC methods are reversible. Other reversible methods, such as oral contraceptive pills, the birth