Implants, IUDs, and Shots: Long-Term Birth Control Online

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are the ultimate “set-and-forget” birth control methods. In Australia, options like contraceptive implants, IUDs (intrauterine devices), and Depo-Provera injections offer years of protection without the need for daily pills. These methods are among the most effective at preventing pregnancy – over 99% effective in most cases​ – yet they’re used by only about 12% of Australian women on contraception​. In this post, we’ll demystify these long-term birth control options, explaining how they work, how long they last, their pros and cons, and who they might suit best. We’ll also show how telehealth can help you get prescriptions online, expert medical advice, and referrals for these methods, all from the comfort of home.

Whether you’re tired of taking a pill every day or just exploring convenient options, read on for an engaging, reassuring guide to implants, IUDs, and the birth control shot – and learn how online prescriptions and telehealth services like NextClinic make it easier than ever to access these long-term contraceptives in Australia.

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What Are Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)?

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are birth control methods that provide effective, long-term prevention of pregnancy with a single treatment or device. Unlike pills that you take daily or condoms you use during sex, LARCs work continuously for months or years once in place​. They’re “reversible” because you can stop using them (have them removed or discontinue injections) and your fertility returns relatively quickly (except in some cases with the injection).

The main LARC options available to Australian women are:

• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) – Small devices (plastic T-shaped frames) placed inside the uterus. Depending on type, they last 5 to 10 years​.
• Contraceptive Implants – A matchstick-sized rod inserted under the skin of the arm. Lasts up to 3 years​.
• Depo-Provera Injections (The Shot) – A hormone injection given every 3 months (12 weeks)​.

All three are highly effective at preventing pregnancy (more on that soon) and are safe for most healthy women, including younger women and those who have not had children​. Because they work automatically once in place, LARCs dramatically reduce the chance of user error (like forgetting a pill), making them more reliable in typical use​. In fact, these methods have the highest real-world success rates of any reversible contraception​.

Why choose a LARC? If you want hassle-free, long-term protection or can’t use estrogen-containing methods, a LARC can be a great choice. Many women also find it reassuring to “fit and forget” their birth control and avoid the hormonal ups and downs of daily pills. LARCs can also be cost-effective over time – even if there’s an upfront cost for insertion, the ongoing expense is low since you’re covered for years​. And thanks to telehealth services, getting a LARC is more convenient than ever. You can get prescriptions online for the implant or injection, or a referral for an IUD, through an online GP consultation, often with Medicare rebates available.

Now, let’s dive into each option in detail – how it works, how long it lasts, its benefits and downsides, and who it might suit best.

Contraceptive Implant (Implanon)

The contraceptive implant (brand name Implanon NXT in Australia) is a tiny plastic rod (about 4 cm long) that a doctor inserts under the skin on the inner side of your upper arm. It steadily releases a progestogen hormone (etonogestrel) into your bloodstream. This hormone prevents ovulation (the release of eggs) and thickens cervical mucus to block sperm, effectively preventing pregnancy​.

Effectiveness & Duration: The implant is one of the most effective birth control methods available. Less than 1 in 100 women using the implant will get pregnant in a year​ – that’s over 99.9% effectiveness in typical use. It’s essentially as effective in real-world use as it is in perfect use, because once it’s in place you don’t have to do anything else. Each implant lasts for 3 years before it needs replacing​. If you decide you want to get pregnant or switch methods sooner, a doctor can remove it at any time – fertility usually returns within a few weeks after removal​.

Pros of the Implant:

• Extremely effective: Over 99% pregnancy protection for up to 3 years​. It’s a “fit and forget” method – no daily or weekly upkeep.
• Low maintenance: No need to remember pills or appointments (aside from replacing it after 3 years).
• Quick procedure: Insertion is done by a trained GP or nurse with local anaesthetic; it only takes a few minutes and leaves a tiny mark​. Removal is also a simple in-office procedure.
• Reversible: You can have it removed any time, and fertility returns quickly (often within a month).
• No estrogen: The implant contains only progestogen, making it safe for women who cannot take estrogen (such as those who are breastfeeding, have migraines with aura, or other contraindications)​. No increased risk of blood clots like with estrogen-containing methods.
• May lighten periods: Many women experience lighter periods or even no periods with the implant​. It can also help reduce period pain for some.
• Convenient & private: Nothing to do before sex, and no one can tell you have it (except you can feel the tiny rod under the skin).

Cons or Side Effects:

• Irregular bleeding: The most common downside is changes in bleeding patterns. Some users have spotting or unpredictable bleeding, especially in the first 3-6 months​. About 20% of women have no bleeding at all (which many consider a bonus!), but others might have irregular or longer periods. If bleeding is heavy or prolonged, your doctor can prescribe medication to help, or you can opt to remove the implant.
• Minor procedure needed: Insertion and removal involve a minor procedure with a local anaesthetic. There might be slight bruising, soreness, or a small scar at the insertion site. In rare cases the implant can move from its original spot, but a trained provider can still remove it.
• Possible side effects: Some women report acne, headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness, or weight changes on the implant​. Most side effects are mild and tend to settle over time, but if they’re troublesome you can have the implant removed. Not everyone experiences these – many women tolerate the implant very well.
• No STI protection: Like all hormonal methods, the implant doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections, so you’d still need condoms for STI prevention.

Who is the Implant Best For? The implant can suit women of all ages who want long-lasting, low-effort contraception. It’s ideal if you’re forgetful with daily pills or just want something you don’t have to think about. Because it’s progestogen-only, it’s a great option if you can’t use estrogen (e.g. breastfeeding mothers or those with certain migraines or clotting risks)​. It’s also a good choice if you want quick return of fertility when you stop – perhaps you want to delay pregnancy for a few years but not too long.

On the flip side, if you absolutely need a very regular period or know that irregular spotting would cause you distress, the implant might frustrate you (though many adjust to infrequent light periods). And if you strongly dislike needles or minor procedures, you might prefer a method like the pill despite the daily hassle. Overall, the contraceptive implant is an excellent, user-friendly option for women seeking highly effective and convenient birth control, and it’s made even easier by the ability to get your prescription online and see a provider for quick insertion.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small devices that sit inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. In Australia, there are two main types of IUDs available: hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs​. Both look like a tiny “T” and have a string that extends through the cervix into the vagina (for removal and to check placement). They work a bit differently:

• Hormonal IUD (e.g. Mirena®, Kyleena®): Contains a cylinder of the progestogen hormone levonorgestrel. It releases a tiny amount of hormone locally in the uterus each day. This thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining, preventing sperm from getting through and fertilized eggs from implanting​. It may also sometimes suppress ovulation. The leading hormonal IUD, Mirena, is effective for up to 5 years (Kyleena is also 5 years)​. Notably, Mirena has PBS subsidy in Australia (about $43 or $7 with concession for the device)​ and is also prescribed for managing heavy menstrual bleeding due to its effect on periods.
• Copper IUD: Hormone-free. The plastic frame is wrapped in copper wire. Copper is toxic to sperm and creates an inflammatory reaction in the uterus that prevents fertilization and implantation​. Copper IUDs can last up to 10 years (some types 5 years)​. They’re also extremely effective and can even serve as emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex​. Copper IUDs are not PBS-covered (cost can be ~$70-120 for the device), but their long lifespan makes them cost-efficient over time.

Effectiveness: Both types of IUD are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy​. In practical terms, fewer than 1 in 100 women per year will get pregnant on an IUD. Hormonal IUDs like Mirena have about 99.8% efficacy​, and copper IUDs around 99.2%​. This puts them on par with implants and female sterilisation for pregnancy prevention – truly top-tier effectiveness. And unlike permanent methods, IUDs are easily reversible: remove the device and you can get pregnant soon after (often immediately, as normal fertility returns quickly)​.

How long they last: A hormonal IUD is officially approved for 5 years (Mirena and Kyleena are 5 years each)​. Some studies suggest Mirena remains highly effective up to 7 or even 8 years, but generally you’d replace it at 5 years (or sooner if you wish). The copper IUD comes in different models – one common type is effective for 10 years, and a smaller one for 5 years. Either type can be removed earlier if needed, and you can choose to get a new one inserted at that time. It’s a good idea to keep track of when your IUD is due to expire so you can have it removed or replaced on schedule​.

Pros of IUDs:

• Exceptional effectiveness: Over 99% efficacy – among the most reliable contraception available​.
• Long-term protection: 5-10 years of coverage depending on type​. Truly “set and forget” once inserted.
• Easy to use: Nothing to do daily or even monthly. You should check the IUD’s string occasionally to be sure it’s in place, but otherwise no maintenance​.
• Cost-effective: Especially in Australia where Mirena is subsidised, the device cost (~$43 full price) spread over 5 years is minimal​. Even copper IUDs (not subsidised) are relatively cheap per year of use, given their long duration. Many clinics bulk bill or charge low fees for insertion, and public hospitals can insert IUDs for free as part of Medicare​.
• Can use while breastfeeding: IUDs are safe for postpartum contraception and can even be inserted soon after birth in some cases. They contain no estrogen, so they don’t affect breast milk​.
• Quick return to fertility: Once the IUD is removed, your normal cycle and fertility come back rapidly (often your next cycle)​.
• Additional benefits (hormonal IUD): The hormonal IUD often makes periods much lighter and less painful​. After a few months of use, many women have only very light periods or none at all – which is medically safe. In fact, Mirena is frequently prescribed to treat heavy menstrual bleeding because it’s so effective at reducing flow. It can also help with menstrual cramps​. (Copper IUD, by contrast, has the opposite effect on periods – see cons below.)

Cons or Considerations:

• Requires insertion by a provider: You can’t insert an IUD yourself; a GP, gynecologist, or trained nurse must do it. The insertion is a quick procedure but can be uncomfortable or briefly painful for some women​. There’s a small risk of complications during insertion, like uterine perforation (very rare) or infection, especially if you have an undiagnosed STI at the time​. To minimise risks, the procedure is done under sterile conditions, and you may be tested for STIs beforehand.
• Cramping and adjustment period: Right after insertion, it’s normal to have cramping and spotting for a few days. It can take your body about 3-6 months to fully adjust. During that time, irregular bleeding is common with hormonal IUDs (spotting that usually improves after a few months)​. Copper IUDs may cause heavier or longer periods, especially in those early months​. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with any cramps. Most women find these symptoms improve with time – by 6 months in, about 90% of hormonal IUD users have light or no periods.
• Device can move or be expelled: In a small percentage of cases, an IUD can shift position or slip out (expel) on its own – typically within the first 3 months if it’s going to happen​. You can check the strings each month after your period to ensure the IUD is still in place. If it does come out, you’d need to use backup contraception and see your doctor. Expulsion is uncommon but not impossible.
• Side effects: Hormonal IUDs keep hormone mostly local, so systemic side effects are fewer than with the pill. But some users may still experience headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes, or acne – these usually settle over time. Importantly, the hormonal IUD has not been shown to cause weight gain according to studies, which is a common concern. Copper IUDs, since they have no hormones, avoid hormonal side effects altogether, but they can make periods heavier (which could be a dealbreaker if you already have heavy periods)​.
• No STI protection: As with other internal methods, IUDs do not protect against STIs​. You’d need to use condoms if STI prevention is a concern.

Who might an IUD suit best? An IUD is ideal for women seeking long-duration contraception with minimal daily effort, especially if you want something that lasts beyond 3 years. It’s often recommended if you’ve had children (since insertion may be easier and heavy periods might be an issue that Mirena can help solve), but it’s absolutely an option for young women who haven’t had kids too – guidelines say IUDs are suitable for most women of any age who desire them​. If you appreciate predictability, the hormonal IUD can give you very light predictable periods (after the adjustment phase), or no periods at all. If you prefer hormone-free birth control, the copper IUD is an excellent choice as it’s effective without altering your natural cycle (aside from possibly heavier flow).

An IUD might not be the best fit if you have an extremely low tolerance for insertion discomfort or can’t access a provider for the procedure. Also, if you have uncontrolled pelvic infections or certain uterine abnormalities, an IUD may be contraindicated (these are things a doctor would evaluate). For those who do choose an IUD, telehealth can streamline the process – you can have an initial consult and get a referral through an online prescription service to a specialist or clinic for the insertion, making the whole journey easier.

Contraceptive Injection (Depo-Provera Shot)

The contraceptive injection, commonly known as the Depo-Provera shot (DMPA), is a long-acting progestogen injection that provides birth control for 3 months at a time. It’s an intramuscular shot (usually given in your buttock or upper arm) that slowly releases the hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate into your bloodstream​. This hormone prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus, much like other progestogen methods​. In Australia, you’ll typically get this injection from a GP or nurse every 12 weeks to maintain protection​.

Effectiveness: Depo-Provera is very effective when used on schedule. With perfect use (getting injections exactly every 12 weeks), it’s over 99% effective – meaning fewer than 1 in 100 women per year will get pregnant​. In typical use, because people sometimes delay their follow-up shots, effectiveness is around 94% (about 1 in 25 women per year might get pregnant)​. In fact, Healthdirect notes that with typical use, 1 in 25 women on the injection get pregnant, usually due to late injections​. That still makes it far more effective than the pill or condoms in real-world terms, but not quite as foolproof as an implant or IUD (since timing depends on the user). Setting reminders or scheduling your next appointment before you leave the clinic can help maintain perfect use. Each injection reliably protects you for 12 weeks (3 months)​, and some flexibility is built in – it’s usually given every 12 weeks, but if you’re a week or two late, you may still be protected (check with your doctor). Beyond ~14 weeks, a repeat injection might require a pregnancy test first.

Pros of the Shot:

• Only 4 times a year: You only need to remember it every three months, rather than something daily or weekly​. Many women like the quarterly schedule.
• Highly effective (with on-time injections): Over 99% when you stay on schedule. Even typical use (94%) is considerably effective compared to no method.
• No estrogen: Like the implant and hormonal IUD, the Depo shot is progestogen-only, so it’s safe for those who can’t take estrogen (e.g., history of blood clots, migraines with aura, or breastfeeding mothers).
• May lighten or stop periods: Many women experience lighter periods or no periods at all on Depo-Provera​. Over 50% of women stop having periods after a year of use​, which can be a big relief if you have heavy or painful periods. (If you prefer having a regular period, this might be a con instead – but medically, not having a period due to the shot is fine.)
• Privacy and spontaneity: There’s nothing others need to know about or see – once you have your injection, you’re covered for months with no visible devices or daily routines. It doesn’t interrupt sex or require any action in the moment.
• Postpartum use: The shot can be started right after having a baby (even immediately after birth, though typically at the 6-week checkup) and is safe during breastfeeding​.

Cons and Side Effects:

• Regular doctor visits: You do need to go in for an injection every 12 weeks. If you have trouble making appointments or tend to forget, this could be a challenge (though some clinics allow you to take home the injection or have a nurse administer it). Telehealth can help by scheduling reminders and quickly arranging your online prescription for the injection, but the shot still has to be given in person by a health professional.
• Irreversible until it wears off: Once you get the shot, any side effects will last at least 3 months until the hormone wears off. You can’t “undo” it except by waiting. So if you have unpleasant side effects, you might be stuck with them for a little while.
• Possible irregular bleeding: It’s common to have some irregular bleeding or spotting, especially in the first 3-6 months (first few shots). Often periods will stop altogether after a few injections, but early on the pattern can be unpredictable – some women have more frequent spotting initially. This usually improves with subsequent injections.
• Delayed return of fertility: Depo-Provera can cause a delay in the return to normal fertility after you stop. On average, it takes about 6-12 months for your cycles to regulate and ovulation to return once you discontinue the shots. Some women can get pregnant sooner, but if you’re planning a pregnancy in the near future, the shot might not be ideal. (In contrast, fertility returns quickly after stopping the implant or removing an IUD.)
• Other side effects: Potential side effects include weight gain, headaches, mood changes, decreased libido, and acne in some users. Not everyone gets these, but weight gain is one commonly cited reason some women discontinue Depo. Healthy diet and exercise can help manage this, but sensitivity varies by individual. Bone density loss is a specific concern with long-term use of Depo-Provera​. The injection can cause a reduction in bone mineral density while you’re on it (because the continuous progestogen can suppress estrogen levels somewhat). This bone loss is usually reversible after stopping, but because of it, doctors often don’t recommend using Depo continuously for more than 2-3 years without a break, especially for younger women in their bone-building years​. Calcium, vitamin D, and regular weight-bearing exercise are advised if you use Depo long-term, and your doctor might periodically reassess if it’s still the best option for you.
• Needle aspect: If you really hate needles, getting a shot quarterly might not be appealing (though it is just 4 times a year and quite quick).
• No STI protection: As with other LARCs, the injection doesn’t protect against STIs, so you’d need condoms for that purpose​.

Who might choose the injection? The Depo shot can be a good choice for women who want a shorter-term LARC (a year or two of coverage) or who prefer an option they can stop (or not renew) if needed every few months. It’s often used by women who have trouble remembering daily pills and either don’t want an implant/IUD or are waiting for an appointment to get one (Depo can be a bridge method). It’s also sometimes chosen by those who have very painful periods or endometriosis – the lack of periods on Depo can be therapeutic.

It may be suitable if you’re breastfeeding or have medical reasons to avoid estrogen. However, if you’re planning to conceive in the next year or so, you might avoid Depo due to the potential delay in fertility return​. Young women can use it, but due to the bone density issue, healthcare providers might monitor usage duration or suggest switching methods after a couple of years​.

In terms of access, getting started on the Depo shot is straightforward – you can have a telehealth consultation to discuss it and get a script for the injection, then simply visit a local GP or nurse for the injection itself. Many GPs in Australia administer Depo, and some clinics might even give you the injection on site without needing a separate pharmacy trip (others provide a script to pick up the vial from a pharmacy)​. With Medicare, the cost of the injection is low (the medication is subsidised – often under $30, or ~$7 with concession, plus potentially a bulk-billed nurse visit)​.

Getting LARCs Through Telehealth: Online Prescriptions and Referrals

One of the fantastic developments in healthcare is the rise of telehealth services that allow you to consult with a doctor online. For Australian women considering long-term birth control like implants, IUDs, or the Depo shot, telehealth can make the process more convenient and comfortable. Here’s how NextClinic and similar telehealth providers can help you navigate LARCs:

• Expert Medical Advice from Home: Through a video or phone consultation, you can discuss with a GP online which contraceptive option suits you best. The doctor will review your medical history, preferences, and concerns just as they would in person. This can be especially reassuring if you’re feeling unsure which way to go – the GP can explain the methods in the context of your health (for example, if you have heavy periods, they might recommend Mirena; if you’re forgetful, an implant; etc.). It’s a safe space to ask questions and get personalized advice without needing to visit a clinic.
• Prescriptions Online: If you decide on a method that requires a prescription (which is most contraception), the telehealth doctor can issue it electronically. For instance, for an implant, you’d need a prescription to obtain the Implanon device from a pharmacy. An online prescription will be sent to you or your chosen pharmacy – you could literally have the script in your inbox within minutes after your appointment. Similarly, for the Depo-Provera injection, the doctor can send the script to your pharmacy so you can pick up the medication. This saves you the step of going in just to get paper scripts. The keyword here is convenience: you’re getting your prescriptions online without any delay, so you can promptly move to the next step of getting the method administered.
• Specialist Referrals: What about an IUD, which needs to be inserted by a clinician? Telehealth has you covered there too. If your online GP agrees an IUD is a good choice for you, they can provide a referral to a local gynecologist, family planning clinic, or GP who performs IUD insertions. This referral can also be done electronically. With NextClinic, for example, after your consult they can send you a referral letter to take to the specialist. In many cases, telehealth GPs might even help you find a nearby clinic that can do the procedure and ensure you have the necessary documents. So you do the consult online, get the referral and script for the IUD device (Mirena or copper IUD) online, and then you only need to go in for the actual insertion appointment. It streamlines the process significantly.
• Medicare Rebates & Affordability: Telehealth GP services in Australia are often Medicare-rebatable, meaning if you’re eligible, Medicare covers part or all of the consult cost​. In fact, for sexual and reproductive health consultations (like discussing contraception), the usual requirement of having seen the GP in person before is waived​. This means you can use a service like NextClinic and still get a Medicare rebate even if it’s your first time with that doctor – great news for accessibility. Many telehealth clinics offer bulk billing for certain patients or services, so it’s worth checking. Additionally, the Medicare Benefits Schedule permanently includes telehealth items​, so Australians can confidently use these services. When it comes to the contraceptives themselves, we’ve discussed that implants and hormonal IUDs are subsidised on the PBS (making them ~$40 or less). So with a Medicare card, your out-of-pocket for the medication is low. The main other cost is the procedure: some GPs will bulk bill the implant insertion or Depo injection visit, and IUD insertions in public hospitals are covered by Medicare. Even in private clinics, Medicare will rebate a portion of the insertion fee. Telehealth doctors can advise you on likely costs and help you navigate using your Medicare benefits.
• Follow-up and Support: After you start a LARC method, you might have questions or minor side effects. Telehealth makes follow-ups easy – instead of waiting weeks to see a doctor in person, you can jump on a quick online call to ask, “Is this normal?” For example, if you have prolonged spotting with the implant, an online GP could prescribe medication to manage it or discuss whether it’s settling properly. If you got an IUD and are experiencing cramping beyond the first week, you can have an online check-in. Knowing you have on-demand medical support can be very reassuring when trying a new birth control method.
• Extended Hours and Convenience: NextClinic’s telehealth service is available long hours (often 6am to midnight, 7 days a week), which is perfect for busy women. You can book a consult at a time that suits you, no need to take time off work or arrange childcare to get to a clinic. This flexibility often means you’ll address your contraceptive needs sooner rather than putting it off. And the sooner you’re protected, the better you can avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

In summary, telehealth acts as a facilitator: it connects you to care quickly. You still ultimately receive the long-acting contraceptive (the implant inserted, the IUD placed, the shot given) in person – but all the steps around that (consultation, prescription, referral, follow-up) can be handled online. This hybrid approach saves time and can reduce the anxiety some feel about going to a doctor just to talk about birth control. With services like NextClinic, you can arrange everything from prescriptions online for your contraceptive to a referral for insertion, all while sipping tea at home. It’s modern healthcare working for modern women.

TLDR

Disclaimer

This medical blog provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your regular doctor for specific medical concerns. The content is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication and may change. While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties regarding completeness or reliability. Use the information at your own risk. Links to other websites are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily representative of any institutions.