In 2023, long-acting reversible contraception prescriptions were 50% lower in the most deprived areas of England, new Department of Health and Social Care data shows.
Long-acting reversible contraception, also known as LARC, represents a range of highly effective birth control methods, including IUD (intra-uterine device), IUS (intra-uterine system), contraceptive injection and hormonal implant.
The statistics on sexual and reproductive health profiles published last week reveal a small decrease in LARC prescription rates (excluding injectables) from the previous year to 43.5 prescriptions per 1,000 people, remaining lower than pre-pandemic levels.
LARC prescription rates (excluding injections) were highest in the Isles of Scilly at 93 per 1,000, followed by Derbyshire (86), Mid Devon (82), and Mole Valley (81). Conversely, this was lowest in Lichfield and St. Helens, both registering a rate of 10 per 1,000.
Prescription rates for short-acting combined oral contraceptives have also decreased in recent years, from 116.9 per 1,000 in 2022 to 106.7 per 1,000 in 2023. These numbers are significantly lower in the most deprived areas (85.0 per 1,000) compared to least deprived areas (128.3 per 1,000).
The local authorities with the highest per 1,000 rates of women prescribed short acting combined hormonal contraception in GP practices were in Ribble Valley (185) and Mole Valley (181). Regarding women prescribed injectable contraception in GP practices, this was highest in Redcar and Cleveland and Hartlepool, at 88 and 79 respectively.
The sexual and reproductive health profiles also include data on the rates of STIs. In England, the average rate of new STI diagnosis per 100,000 was 612, with London districts registering considerably higher rates than anywhere else in the country. This is the case for Lambeth (3730), City of London (3347), Southwark (3009), Hackney (2942), and Westminster (2506). These higher rates of STI diagnoses coincide with a national decline in the rates of young people using sexual health services since the pandemic.
About the map
The map below shows statistics on contraception and STI rates per local authority in 2023. To explore detailed figures for your area, double-click on the map or click here to view the full-page version.
Geodata context
Following the publication of the new statistics last Tuesday, the former Minister for Women and Equalities Anneliese Dodds publicly addressed the importance of gender equality and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights to individuals, families and society. Dodds addressed issues of discrimination and deprivation within sexual health and showed her support towards wider representation in healthcare in the UK.
Additionally, the LGA has commented on the new figures and called for a 10-year sexual health strategy.
Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board: “Councils want to continue encouraging more people to visit their local sexual health clinic, in particular under-served communities.
“However, today’s figures show sexual health services continue to face rising demand pressures.
“This is why we are calling for a new 10-year strategy to tackle infection rates, and ensure that sexual health services are properly funded and resourced in the long-term.”