Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use in Haringey

This report by Healthwatch Haringey explores the knowledge of and barriers to the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives in Haringey (commonly referred to as LARCs).

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.