Which statement about long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) placement is true?

Which statement about long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) placement is true?

• A. LARC can be placed at any point in the menstrual cycle.
• B. LARC should only be placed during menses.
• C. LARC placement does not require pregnancy testing.
• D. LARC is not available as implants.

Answer: (A)

Long-acting reversible contraception can be placed at any point in the menstrual cycle because the key factor is whether the patient is pregnant at the time of insertion, not the cycle phase. If pregnancy is ruled out or not suspected, insertion can proceed regardless of where you are in the cycle. Insertion timing isn’t restricted to menses, though many clinicians perform it then because the cervix is often more accommodating and the risk of pregnancy is low; it’s not a requirement. Also, an implant is a valid LARC option, so the statement that LARC isn’t available as implants is incorrect. A pregnancy test should be considered if there’s any doubt about pregnancy, but a nonpregnant status does not restrict placement. Therefore, the statement that LARC can be placed at any point in the menstrual cycle is true.

Long-acting reversible contraception can be placed at any point in the menstrual cycle because the key factor is whether the patient is pregnant at the time of insertion, not the cycle phase. If pregnancy is ruled out or not suspected, insertion can proceed regardless of where you are in the cycle. Insertion timing isn’t restricted to menses, though many clinicians perform it then because the cervix is often more accommodating and the risk of pregnancy is low; it’s not a requirement. Also, an implant is a valid LARC option, so the statement that LARC isn’t available as implants is incorrect. A pregnancy test should be considered if there’s any doubt about pregnancy, but a nonpregnant status does not restrict placement. Therefore, the statement that LARC can be placed at any point in the menstrual cycle is true.