HOW IT WORKS
What is an IUS (intrauterine system)?
An IUS is a small, T-shaped plastic device that's put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse.1 The IUS birth control method is similar to the intrauterine device (IUD) but instead of releasing copper like the IUD, it releases the hormone progestogen into the womb.1 It thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to move through the cervix, and thins the lining of the womb so an egg is less likely to be able to implant itself.1
At Efficacy 99.8% typical & perfect use2.
It can be used by women who cannot use combined contraception (such as the combined pill) in their everyday life – for example, those who have migraines.1
HOW TO
An IUS can be fitted any time in your menstrual cycle, as long as you're not pregnant.1
If it's fitted in the first 7 days of your cycle, you'll be protected against pregnancy straight away. If it's fitted at any other time, use additional contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days afterwards.1
Before your IUS is fitted, a doctor or nurse will check inside your vagina to define the position and check the size of your womb.1
Your IUS can be removed at any time by a doctor or nurse. If you're not having another IUS put in and do not want to become pregnant, use additional contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days before you have it removed.1
It's possible to get pregnant as soon as the IUS has been taken out.1
PROS OF INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM
- It lasts for 3-5 years, depending on the brand but, it can be removed at any time by a doctor or nurse.1
- Heavy periods can become lighter and less painful.1
- It's not affected by other medicines.1
- It may be a good option if you cannot take the hormone estrogen, which is used in the combined contraceptive pill.1
- It can be used when breastfeeding.1
- It's possible to get pregnant as soon as the IUS has been taken out.1
- The IUD containing hormones are effective form of contraception.3
CONS OF INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM
- It requires a healthcare provider for insertion and removal.1
- Irregular bleeding and spotting can be common in the first 6 months of use.3
- Some women define that they experience headaches, tenderness and acne after an IUS is fitted.1
- Some people experience changes in mood.1
- An uncommon side effect of the IUS is that some people can develop small fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries – these usually disappear without treatment.1
- An IUS does not protect you against STIs, so you may need to use condoms as well.1
STIs: Sexually transmitted infections - If you get an infection when you have an IUS fitted, it could lead to a pelvic infection if it's not treated.1
- Most people who stop using an IUS do so because of vaginal bleeding and pain, although this is less common.1
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Having an IUS fitted can be uncomfortable, but you can have a local anesthetic to help. Discuss this with a GP or nurse beforehand. You may also get period-type cramps afterwards, but painkillers can ease the cramps. Once an IUS is fitted, it'll need to be checked by a GP after 3 to 6 weeks to make sure everything is fine.1
GP: General Practitioner
IUS: Intra-uterine System
IUS vs IUD
An IUD is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that's put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse. It releases copper to stop you getting pregnant, and protects against pregnancy for between 5 and 10 years. It's sometimes called a "coil" or "copper coil".4
An IUS is a small, T-shaped plastic device that's put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse. It releases the hormone progestogen to stop you getting pregnant and lasts for 3:5 years, depending on the brand.1 Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to find out which birth control option is more appropriate for you.
IUD: Intra-Uterine Devices
Hormonal IUDs (IUS) may cause Irregular bleeding and spotting occurs in the first six months of use.3 Pain when the IUD is put in, and cramping or back aches for a few days after spotting between periods irregular periods These usually go away within 3–6 months, once your body gets used to the new visitor in your uterus. And they don’t happen to everyone , many people use hormonal IUDs with no problems at all.5
Your periods can become lighter, shorter and less painful – they may stop completely after the first year of use.1
An IUS can be left in place for three to five years depending in the type. After this time, it will need to be replaced with a new device.1
Nope. There’s been a lot of research on common IUD side effects. And studies show that hormonal IUDs don’t make you gain weight.
The hormone-free copper IUD doesn’t make you gain weight either.5
We did not find an association between use of the ENG implant and LNG-IUS and weight gain in the first 12 months of use.6
LNG-IUS: levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system
References :
1-NHS. Intrauterine system (IUS). Available at: Reference Last Accessed:(12/7/2021).
2-Contraception. Hormonal IUD. Available at: Reference Last Accessed:(12/7/2021).
3-Queen's Land Health. 9 types of contraception you can use to prevent pregnancy (with pictures!). Available at: Reference Last Accessed:(12/7/2021).
4-NHS. Intrauterine device IUD. Available at: Reference Last Accessed:(12/7/2021).
5-Planet Parenthood. What are the side effects of IUDs. Available at: Reference Last Accessed:(12/7/2021).
6-Vickery Z, Madden T, Zhao Q, Secura GM, Allsworth JE, Peipert JF. Weight change at 12 months in users of three progestin-only contraceptive methods. Contraception. 2013 Oct 1;88(4):503-8.
SF0087OA713/042023
11/04/2025
PP-PF-WHC-EG-0032-1
