Intrauterine System - IUS - Hormonal Method

Efficacy
Typical Use

99% Info

Intrauterine System - IUS

Use it right!

99%

Efficacy with typical use

Where there is a risk of inappropriate application, inconsistent use or just plain human error.

99%

Efficacy with correct use

When used with 100% accuracy, not relying on self-administration and used exactly according to instruction.

Approximately 1 out of every 100 women in a year will experience an unintended pregnancy

FYI without contraception 85 in 100 young women will get pregnant this year.
Remember, if you're going to do it it's worth doing right.

Regimen

<3-5 YEARS Info

Intrauterine System - IUS

Do it properly.

The IUS can only be inserted by a well-trained healthcare provider once every 3 to 5 years depending on the type.

Benefits

Highly effective
Long-acting
reversible
Easy to hide

STOPPING SPERM
IN THEIR TRACKS

The IUS is a small, soft, T-shaped device with a reservoir containing the hormone progestogen that is placed in the womb by your healthcare provider. The IUS works by continuously releasing a low dose of progestogen from the intrauterine system into the womb. It thickens the mucus of your cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to move freely and reach the egg and it also thins the lining of your uterus. At 99.8% effectiveness, you’re about as protected as you possibly can be by a contraceptive method. It’s a great method for the super organized, the forgetful, the frequent traveller and pretty much anyone else who is keen on staying not pregnant. However, there are some individual risk factors that make an IUS not recommendable to some women. Therefore consult your healthcare provider in order to find out about your individual situation.

Intrauterine System - IUS - Hormonal Method

HOW TO

There really is nothing to using the IUS apart from a consultation with your healthcare provider to make sure whether it’s the right method for you. Once the IUS has been fitted by a well-trained healthcare provider, you’re highly protected from pregnancy for up to 3 or 5 years, depending on the type. After the IUS is taken out, the contraceptive effect wears off quickly and you can become pregnant as rapidly as women who have used no contraceptive at all.

PROS AND CONS

It can stay in place for either 3 or 5 years (depending on the type), but can be removed any time.
At 99.8%, it’s one of the most effective contraceptive methods
It doesn’t interrupt sex
Heavy periods can become lighter and less painful
Some women may have shorter lighter or less frequent periods, which reduces the chances of becoming anemic
Suitable for women who want long-acting reversible contraception for up to 3 or 5 years and wish to avoid daily, weekly or monthly regimens
It can be used when breastfeeding
Fertility returns to its previous level once the IUS is removed

It requires a trained healthcare provider for insertion and removal
Irregular bleeding and spotting can be common in the first 6 months of use
Some women experience headaches, tenderness and acne after an IUS is fitted
It may cause cramps and/or irregular bleeding
Small risk of infection at insertion and of expulsion
Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

GIRLS TALK

LEARN HOW TO TALK ABOUT IT WITH:

Your HCP

Your healthcare provider knows the subject better than anyone; get the right answers for you

Your Parents

They know you better than anyone, and they’ve been through it too

Your Partner

You’re in this together, and not just in the bedroom, be honest

LEARN HOW

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it painful to have an IUS inserted?

An IUS insertion is usually well tolerated by most women. Some women may experience pain and dizziness after insertion, which usually settles after resting for a short time. Normal pain killers or local anesthesia may be applied to the uterine cervix prior to the insertion.

Can the IUS also be used as emergency contraception?

The IUS was not investigated for use as an emergency contraception.

Can the IUS come out or get stuck in my uterus?

The IUS must be inserted by a trained healthcare provider, who will follow the necessary procedure to ensure it is correctly positioned. Occasionally, the muscular contractions of the womb during menstruation may sometimes push it out of place or expel it. Very rarely it can perforate the wall of the uterus. If a user of an IUS experiences any unusual bleeding, pain or discomfort, the doctor or healthcare provider must be informed as soon as possible.

Will my partner or I feel it during sex?

Neither you nor your partner should feel the IUS during sexual intercourse. If you do, sexual intercourse should be avoided until your doctor or healthcare provider has checked that the IUS is still in the correct position.

What is the difference between an IUS and IUD?

The IUD (Intrauterine Device) is a small plastic T-shaped device covered by copper or other metals which is inserted in the cavity of the womb. The IUS (Intrauterine System), is made of two components: the plastic T-shaped device and a cylinder containing progestogen hormone, which is released slowly from the system. The IUS and IUD have a number of different characteristics and work in a different way. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to find out which option is more appropriate for you.

Is it safe to wear tampons during my period if I have an IUS fitted?

Use of sanitary pads is recommended. If tampons are used, you should change them more frequently the first month after the IUS is inserted.

Will I bleed after having an IUS fitted?

The progestogen released from the IUS causes the lining of the uterus to become very thin. Therefore it can change your menstrual periods so that you can have shorter or longer periods, lighter or heavier bleeding, or no bleeding at all. When the IUS is first inserted, before the lining becomes completely thinned out, women may have unpredictable spotting (a small amount of blood loss). This usually clears after the first months following insertion. If it does not clear, then you should see your doctor or healthcare provider to make sure there is not another cause for the bleeding.

Will the hormones in the IUS affect my periods?

Many women with an IUS will experience less and lighter bleeding after the IUS is fitted. Some women may not have any periods at all anymore.

Is it ok to have an IUS fitted for more than the indicated three or five years?

An IUS can be left in place for up to three or five years depending in the type. After this time, it will need to be replaced with a new device. If this method of contraception has worked well for you, and if you still wish to use a long-term contraceptive option, then you can discuss with your healthcare provider about continuing with this method.