IUS (Intrauterine System)
An IUS is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into your womb (uterus) by a specially trained doctor or nurse.
The IUS releases a progesterone hormone into the womb. This thickens the mucus from your cervix, making it difficult for sperm to move through and reach an egg. It also thins the womb lining so that it's less likely to accept a fertilized egg. It may also stop ovulation (the release of an egg) in some women.
The IUS is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method. It works for five years, so you don't have to think about contraception every day or each time you have sex. The brand name of the IUS used in the UK is Mirena.
You can use an IUS whether or not you've had children.
The IUS releases a progesterone hormone into the womb. This thickens the mucus from your cervix, making it difficult for sperm to move through and reach an egg. It also thins the womb lining so that it's less likely to accept a fertilized egg. It may also stop ovulation (the release of an egg) in some women.
The IUS is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method. It works for five years, so you don't have to think about contraception every day or each time you have sex. The brand name of the IUS used in the UK is Mirena.
You can use an IUS whether or not you've had children.
At a glance: facts about the IUS
- It's more than 99% effective. Less than one in every 100 women who use the IUS will get pregnant in five years.
- It can be taken out at any time by a specially trained doctor or nurse and your fertility quickly returns to normal.
- The IUS can make your periods lighter, shorter or stop altogether, so it may help women who have heavy periods or painful periods.
- It can be used by women who can't use combined contraception (such as the combined pill), for example those who have migraines.
- Once the IUS is in place, you don't have to think about contraception every day or each time you have sex.
- Some women may experience mood swings, skin problems or breast tenderness.
- There's a small risk of getting an infection after it's inserted.
- It can be uncomfortable when the IUS is put in. Painkillers can help with this.
- The IUS can be fitted at any time during your monthly menstrual cycle, as long as you're definitely not pregnant. Ideally, it should be fitted within seven days of the start of your period because this will protect against pregnancy straight away. You should use condoms for seven days if the IUS is fitted at any other time.
- The IUS does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). By using condoms as well as the IUS, you'll help to protect yourself against STIs.
Advantages and disadvantages of the IUS
Advantages of the IUS
Disadvantages of the IUS
Advantages of the IUS
- it works for five years
- it's one of the most effective forms of contraception available in the UK
- it doesn't interrupt sex
- an IUS may be useful if you have heavy or painful periods because your periods usually become much lighter and shorter, and sometimes less painful – they may stop completely after the first year of use
- it can be used safely if you're breastfeeding
- it's not affected by other medicines
- it may be a good option if you can't take the hormone estrogen, which is used in the combined contraceptive pill
- your fertility will return to normal when the IUS is removed
Disadvantages of the IUS
- Some women won't be happy with the way that their periods may change. For example, periods may become lighter and more irregular or, in some cases, stop completely.
- Irregular bleeding and spotting are common in the first six months after having an IUS fitted. This is not harmful and usually decreases with time.
- Some women experience headaches, acne and breast tenderness after having the IUS fitted.
- An uncommon side effect of the IUS is the appearance of small fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries – these usually disappear without treatment.
- An IUS doesn't protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so you may also have to use condoms when having sex. If you get an STI while you have an IUS fitted, it could lead to pelvic infection if it's not treated.
- Most women who stop using an IUS do so because of vaginal bleeding and pain, although this is uncommon. Hormonal problems can also occur, but these are even less common.
For more information visit: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/contraception.aspx