Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use in Haringey
This report explores the knowledge of and barriers to the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives in Haringey (commonly referred to as LARCs).
There are four types of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC):
- The hormonal implant
- The hormonal injection
- The non-hormonal IUD
- The hormonal IUD
The aim of this research was to assess the knowledge around, and barriers to LARC services amongst women and other service users in the borough, especially with consideration for seldom-heard communities. The objective was to inform thinking on how Haringey Public Health Team and other key stakeholders in sexual, reproductive and menstrual health services could improve awareness and access to LARCs.
We received 103 survey responses. The majority of participants were sixth form students between the ages of 16 and 17. 27.2% of respondents that were 18+.
Well, what stops me from using other contraceptive methods other than a condom is the fear of it effecting my menstrual cycle.
Key insights
- Many residents do not have sufficient awareness and accessibility to LARCs in Haringey.
- LARCs were known to reduce chances of pregnancy, but many people were unaware of their side effects and alternative uses.
- For some, LARCs were perceived as mysterious, unknown or potentially damaging.
- Whilst LARCs have been described as convenient and highly effective; Condoms were by far the preferred form of contraception.
- There are several cultural taboos, stigmas and barriers to LARC uptake amongst seldom-heard communities in Haringey.
- The majority of participants had not seen information around LARCs in common community languages and highlighted the need to consider underrepresented communities in the borough.
Recommendations
- Improve accessibility around LARCs by providing informative materials in the multiple languages spoken across Haringey and disseminate these among cultural community groups.
- Increase engagement with cultural communities in Haringey to discuss the barriers that they face, and ways that LARC services could better suit their needs.
- Include Trans and Non-Binary service users of LARC services within Haringey.
- Increase joint working with schools and youth services to demystify LARCs for young people in approachable ways.
- Promote greater transparency around the different lived experiences of LARC users and their side effects.
- Address cultural barriers and stigma around LARCs through greater promotion of LARCs for menstrual care and wellbeing.
- Partner with cultural community groups in Haringey so that sexual health professionals can hold information sessions with seldom-heard groups.
Downloads
Report: Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use in Haringey Understanding community knowledge and barriers to its use - August 2025
