Introduction: Contraception is a key part of the family planning process. Unlike oral contraceptive pills or injections, long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, such as the intrauterine device and subcutaneous implant are designed so that after insertion, the woman is no longer burdened with when to take the contraceptive. Purpose: On a theoretical level, with a literature review, we aimed to present the effects of long-term reversible contraception methods on women and to highlight the role of a nurse in providing contraceptive counseling. Methods: We used a descriptive research method. We conducted a review of Slovenian and English professional literature published since the year 2000 in foreign databases such as Medline/PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL, and in Slovenian bibliographic systems COBISS and DiKul, as well as the Google Scholar online portal. Results: The most commonly used forms of long-term reversible contraception are the copper intrauterine device and the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. Increased use of long-term reversible contraceptive methods has the potential to reduce unintended pregnancies and induced abortions. All health professionals involved in the medical treatment of women during pregnancy have a role of support in the choice and use of contraception after pregnancy, including raising awareness about the importance of contraception and providing counseling and educational resources about contraception. Discussion and conclusion: Currently available long-acting reversible contraception is easy to use, safe, and up to 20 times more effective than oral contraceptive pills. Long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, which are well accepted by women, have limited contraindications for use and are often recommended for improved control of bleeding. All long-acting reversible methods can be inserted immediately after childbirth or abortion, and fertility is quickly restored after removal. To increase access to this method, better education and training of nurses and midwives is needed, which requires collaboration with general and reproductive health services.
|