IUS

THE IUS – AKA THE
HORMONAL COIL

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.1

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 fitted. It works continuously for up to three to eight [to be localised per market] 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 a doctor or nurse. The birth control effect of IUS wears off quickly after removal and you will 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.1

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 fitted. It works continuously for up to three to eight [to be localised per market] 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 a doctor or nurse. The birth control 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

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EFFICACY WITH TYPICAL USE

Since it is given with a prescription and placed by a doctor or nurse, the possibility for error is very low. There is no way to forget it like pills, once fitted, and the efficacy of IUS is high. Should you have any concern about the placement of your IUS, consult your doctor or nurse immediately.

View 'Typical' Use Efficacy Rate

View 'Typical' Use Efficacy Rate
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EF­FI­CACY WITH PERFECT USE

The IUS is placed by a doctor or nurse with a prescription. It can be continuously used for up to three to eight years. It is a highly effective and reliable method of birth control.

View 'Typical' Use Efficacy Rate

View 'Perfect' Use Efficacy Rate
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IUS
Cherry
Walnut
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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 eight years. If you want to stop using the IUS, a doctor or nurse can remove it in minutes.1

YOUR PERIOD

Periods may generally become less frequent, lighter and less painful – or stop altogether.2 Some may experience cramps, irregular bleeding and spotting in the first three to six months.

COMPARE METHODS
FAQ-Clara
FAQ Questionmark

Is it uncomfortable to have an IUS placed?

IUS placement is usually well tolerated by most. It can be uncomfortable for some, and others could feel more discomfort or pain than the rest, but there are ways to help with this. Your doctor or nurse may advise you to take simple painkillers, and more ways you may be able to minimize discomfort.

See what to expect during the IUS insertion – watch now

FAQ Questionmark

CAN THE IUS FALL OUT OR GET STUCK IN MY WOMB?

The IUS will be placed by a doctor or nurse, who will make sure it is correctly positioned. Occasionally, muscle contractions during menstruation can push it out of place or expel it, and very rarely it can perforate the wall of the womb. If you experience any unusual bleeding, pain, or discomfort, you should consult your doctor or nurse as soon as possible.

Bust the myths and get the facts about IUS insertion with this video – watch now

FAQ Questionmark

WILL MY PARTNER OR I FEEL THE IUS DURING SEX?

The IUS is a small, soft and flexible device. Neither you nor your partner should feel it during sex. If you do, intercourse should be avoided until you can seek advice with your doctor or nurse.

FAQ Questionmark

DOES AN IUS STOP PERIODS?

It can make your periods lighter, shorter or stop altogether. For this reason, an IUS could help those with heavy periods.1 In the first three months after insertion you may experience irregular bleeding.

Get answers to all your questions about the potential effects of IUS insertion - watch now

FAQ Questionmark

HOW LONG DO CRAMPS FROM IUS PLACEMENT LAST?

For many the cramps go away relatively quickly, while for others, they could last longer. Cramps should gradually decrease in severity but may continue on and off for the first few weeks after placement.

Check out this video on what to expect after IUS insertion – watch now

FAQ Questionmark

I CAN'T FEEL THE IUS STRINGS. SHOULD I?

As many as 18% may not feel the IUS strings themselves.2 They may be higher up in your vagina or coiled around your cervix, which is generally no cause for concern. If you are worried, speak to your doctor or nurse.

Check out this video all about what to expect after IUS insertion – watch now

FAQ Questionmark

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER IUS REMOVAL?

You may experience some cramping, changes in your period, or moderate bleeding. If you’re concerned about any side effects after removal, contact your doctor.

FAQ Questionmark

IS THERE A HORMONE-FREE IUS?

A copper intrauterine device (IUD) is hormone-free. It’s a copper coil that releases copper to stop you from getting pregnant – in contrast to an IUS that releases the hormone progestin into your womb.

FAQ Questionmark

CAN I GET PREGNANT SOON AFTER I REMOVE MY IUS?

Yes. It takes just a few minutes for your doctor or nurse to remove your IUS, and most people return to their normal fertility immediately.

Find out if an IUS may be the right option for you with this video – watch now

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Start preparing for the next appointment with your doctor or nurse today!

References

  • Bayer. Mirena (52 mg) Levonorgestrel. https://www.whmatters.co.uk/product-information/mirena [Accessed April 2023]. Return to content
  • Prabhakaran S, Chuang A. In office retrieval of Intrauterine contraceptive devices with missing strings. Contraception. 2011; 83(2):102–106. Return to content

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

3-8 years

Works continuously once placed.

<1 year

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

WITHIN 48 HOURS AFTER BIRTH OR AGAIN AFTER 4 WEEKS

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

PROS

  • Highly effective and can be used for several years after a one-time placement experience.1,2
  • No need to remember using it once placed.3
  • Allows spontaneous sex and does not interrupt it.
  • Removable at any time, which returns your ability to get pregnant right away.
  • Can moderate periods – it may make them shorter and lighter, if not absent altogether, and sometimes less painful which could help those with heavy and painful periods.4
  • No estrogen – it can be an option for those who cannot use birth control containing estrogen.3
  • May be used while breastfeeding.
  • No further costs once placed, until removal or replacement
  • Does not need your partner’s participation.4
  • Private – no one will know you’re using it and shouldn’t be able to feel it.
  • Usable at any time during your cycle (if not pregnant).3
  • Protection comes soon – it can protect against pregnancy anywhere from immediately (if placed during a period) to seven days after placement.4,5
  • May reduce the risk of endometrial and cervical cancer
  • Removable at any time, which returns your ability to get pregnant right away.
  • Can moderate periods – it may make them shorter and lighter, if not absent altogether, and sometimes less painful which could help those with heavy and painful periods.4
  • No estrogen – it can be an option for those who cannot use birth control containing estrogen.3
  • May be used while breastfeeding.
  • No further costs once placed, until removal or replacement
  • Does not need your partner’s participation.4
  • Private – no one will know you’re using it and shouldn’t be able to feel it.
  • Usable at any time during your cycle (if not pregnant).3
  • Protection comes soon – it can protect against pregnancy anywhere from immediately (if placed during a period) to seven days after placement.4,5
  • May reduce the risk of endometrial and cervical cancer

CONS

  • No protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • You have to see a doctor or nurse to place and remove it.
  • Placement can feel uncomfortable – if this worries you, talk to your doctor or nurse about ways you can relieve the pain.3
  • Cramps are possible after placement, but they are short-lived and painkillers can be taken to help with this.
  • Small risk of being pushed out
  • Irregular bleeding, cramps and spotting can be experienced by some people in the first three to six months.
  • Ovarian cysts can develop in one out of ten in the first year after placement, but these usually go away on their own.5
  • Other side effects may include headaches, breast tenderness, dizziness, mood changes, and acne
  • Small risk of infection exists in the first few weeks after insertion.3,5
  • Cramps are possible after placement, but they are short-lived and painkillers can be taken to help with this.
  • Small risk of being pushed out
  • Irregular bleeding, cramps and spotting can be experienced by some people in the first three to six months.
  • Ovarian cysts can develop in one out of ten in the first year after placement, but these usually go away on their own.5
  • Other side effects may include headaches, breast tenderness, dizziness, mood changes, and acne
  • Small risk of infection exists in the first few weeks after insertion.3,5

EFFECTIVENESS

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IUS

  • The small, flexible T-shape
  • Use 3-8 years
     
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2 PREGNANCIES
PER 1000

people in the first year of typical use1

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THE COPPER IUD

  • AKA the copper coil 
  • Use 5–10 years
     
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8 PREGNANCIES
PER 1000

people in the first year of typical use1

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THE IMPLANT

  • The small rod that goes under
      the skin
  • Use 3–5 years
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1 PREGNANCy
PER 1000

people in the first year of typical use1

RETURN TO FERTILITY

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IUS

  • The small, flexible T-shape
  • Use 3-8 years
     
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Immediate

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THE COPPER IUD

  • AKA the copper coil 
  • Use 5–10 years
     
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Immediate

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THE IMPLANT

  • The small rod that goes under
    the skin
  • Use 3–5 years
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Immediate

IMPACT ON PERIOD

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IUS

  • The small, flexible T-shape
  • Use 3-8 years
     
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Can cause spotting and irregular
patterns, and make them lighter,
shorter, or stop altogether.

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THE COPPER IUD

  • AKA the copper coil 
  • Use 5–10 years
      
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Can make them heavier, longer, or
irregular, and increase
pain and cramps.

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THE IMPLANT

  • The small rod that goes under
    the skin
  • Use 3–5 years
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Can cause irregularity, followed by
lighter, less frequent bleeding, or
no bleeding at all.

HORMONES

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IUS

  • The small, flexible T-shape
  • Use 3-8 years
     
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Yes. No estrogen, but a low dose of
progestin.

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THE COPPER IUD

  • AKA the copper coil 
  • Use 5–10 years
      
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No. Only copper.
 

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THE IMPLANT

  • The small rod that goes under
    the skin
  • Use 3–5 years
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Yes. No estrogen, but progestin.
 

References

  • Mirena SmPC, Bayer Return to content
  • NICE. Contraception- IUS/IUD. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/contraception-ius-iud/ [Accessed April 2023]. Return to content
  • NHS. Intrauterine system (IUS) - Your contraception guide. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/ius-intrauterine-system/ [Accessed April 2023]. Return to content
  • Mayoclinic. Hormonal IUD (Mirena). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mirena/about/pac-20391354 [Accessed April 2023]. Return to content
  • WebMD. Birth Control and the IUD (Intrauterine Device). https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/iud-intrauterine-device [Accessed April 2023] Return to content

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.

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Last updated on 21/02/2020

This website is intended to provide information to an international audience outside of the US. All pictures used in this website show models only.

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