IUS

THE IUS – AKA THE
HORMONAL COIL

A SMALL DEVICE THAT STOPS
SPERM IN THEIR TRACKS.

FITTED IN MINUTES, WORKS FOR YEARS

The intrauterine system (IUS) is a small, soft, T-shaped device with a reservoir containing a progestin hormone that is placed in your womb by your doctor or nurse. It slowly releases the hormone, which thins the lining of your womb and thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to get through. It's 99.8% effective, so you're about as protected against pregnancy as you can be.

A couple of consultations with your doctor or nurse are about all that's needed. Once you've discussed it, and decided that it's the right method for you, the IUS can be fitted. It works continuously for up to three or five years with no daily or weekly routine to remember, so it's a great option for everyone looking for a long-acting contraception. If and when you decide to stop using it, the contraceptive effect of the IUS wears off quickly, allowing you to return to your normal level of fertility.

FITTED IN MINUTES, WORKS FOR YEARS

The intrauterine system (IUS) is a small, soft and flexible T-shaped device with a reservoir containing a hormone called progestin. It is placed in your womb by your doctor or nurse and slowly releases the hormone; this thins the lining of your womb and thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to get through. It's 99.8% effective, so you're as protected against pregnancy as you can be.

A couple of consultations with your doctor or nurse are about all that's needed. Once you've discussed it, and decided it's the right method for you, the IUS can be placed by your doctor or nurse. It works continuously for up to three to six years with no daily or weekly routine to remember, so it's a great option for someone looking for long-acting birth control. If and when you decide to stop using it, you should have it removed by your doctor or nurse. The contraceptive effect of IUS wears off quickly after removal and you will return to your normal level of fertility.

IUS squeezed between fingers

HOW IT MEASURES UP

Alt tag
IUS
Cherry
Walnut
Alt tag
IUS
Cherry
Walnut

HORMONES

Yes. No estrogen, but a low dose of a progestin hormone that acts mainly locally in the womb.

EASE OF USE

The IUS must be placed and removed by a doctor or nurse. But once correctly placed, it can be continuously used for up to three to six years. If you want to stop using the IUS, a doctor or nurse can remove it in minutes.

YOUR PERIOD

Periods may generally become less frequent, lighter and less painful – or stop altogether. Some may experience cramps, irregular bleeding and spotting in the first three to six months.

COMPARE METHODS

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

3-6 years

Works continuously once placed.

<1 years

The time it takes for the majority to become pregnant after removal.

IMMEDIATELY OR AGAIN AFTER 4 WEEKS

The time after giving birth when an IUS can be placed.

PROS

  • It’s highly effective in preventing pregnancy for several years.
  • There’s no need for you to remember using it.
  • It allows spontaneous sex and doesn’t interrupt it.
  • It can be removed at any time, which returns your ability to get pregnant right away.
  • It may make your periods shorter and lighter (if not absent altogether) and sometime less painful, which could help those with heavy and painful periods.
  • It’s an option for those who can’t use hormonal birth control containing estrogen.
  • It can be used during breastfeeding.
  • Once placed, no further costs.
  • It doesn’t need your partner’s participation.
  • It’s private – no one will know you’re using it and shouldn’t be able to feel it.
  • It can be placed at any time during your cycle (if not pregnant).
  • It’s effective anywhere from immediately (if placed during period) to seven days after placement.
  • It may reduce the risk of endometrial and cervical cancer.
  • It can be removed at any time, which returns your ability to get pregnant right away.
  • It may make your periods shorter and lighter (if not absent altogether) and sometime less painful, which could help those with heavy and painful periods.
  • It’s an option for those who can’t use hormonal birth control containing estrogen.
  • It can be used during breastfeeding.
  • Once placed, no further costs.
  • It doesn’t need your partner’s participation.
  • It’s private – no one will know you’re using it and shouldn’t be able to feel it.
  • It can be placed at any time during your cycle (if not pregnant).
  • It’s effective anywhere from immediately (if placed during period) to seven days after placement.
  • It may reduce the risk of endometrial and cervical cancer.

CONS

  • It doesn’t protect against HIV and any other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • A doctor or nurse must place and remove it for you.
  • It can feel uncomfortable during placement – if this worries you, talk to your doctor or nurse about ways you can relieve the pain.
  • There may be cramps after placement, but they are short-lived and painkillers can be taken to help with this.
  • There’s a small risk for the IUS to be pushed out.
  • Some experience irregular bleeding, cramps and spotting in the first three to six months.
  • Some experience headaches, breast tenderness, dizziness, mood changes and acne after placement.
  • One out of ten may develop ovarian cysts in the first year after placement, but these usually go away on their own.
  • There’s a small risk of infection after placement, which is higher in the first few weeks after insertion.
  • There may be cramps after placement, but they are short-lived and painkillers can be taken to help with this.
  • There’s a small risk for the IUS to be pushed out.
  • Some experience irregular bleeding, cramps and spotting in the first three to six months.
  • Some experience headaches, breast tenderness, dizziness, mood changes and acne after placement.
  • One out of ten may develop ovarian cysts in the first year after placement, but these usually go away on their own.
  • There’s a small risk of infection after placement, which is higher in the first few weeks after insertion.

STILL NOT SURE?

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CONSIDER THIS

If you’re concerned that your ring may fall out or has fallen out for more than three hours,
you should consult your doctor or nurse and read your Patient Information Leaflet. In the
meantime, consider using another form of contraception such as a condom.

LEARN MORE