GP prescribing of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) has been considered low in Australia, but a new study suggests this might be changing, with relatively higher rates being found among registrars.

The research shows that 25% of GP registrars’ contraceptive consults with female patients result in prescription for an implant, IUD or depot injection.

In comparison, 2011 BEACH data estimated only 15% of contraceptive consultations with GPs involved LARCs. 

The new analysis, led by GP academics from the University of Newcastle, collected data on more than 5300 consultations with women aged between 12 and 55, where birth control was prescribed by a trainee GP between 2010 and 2017.