Your questions
We've collected together the most frequently asked questions about contraception, to ensure that you can find the right contraception for you.
An IUS insertion is usually well tolerated by most women. Local anesthesia may be applied to the uterine cervix prior to the insertion. Some women may experience pain and dizziness after insertion, which usually settles after resting for a short time.
The IUCD is a small plastic T-shaped device covered by copper which is inserted in the cavity of the womb. The IUS, 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 IUCD have a number of different characteristics and work in a different way, so the doctor and the patient need to find out together which option is more appropriate individually.
The IUS is not suitable for use as an emergency contraception.
The IUS must be inserted by a trained healthcare professional, 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 insertion of the IUS can perforate the wall of the uterus. If a user of an IUS experiences any unusual bleeding, pain or discomfort, her doctor must be informed as soon as possible.
Neither you nor your partner should feel the IUS during sexual intercourse. If you do, sexual intercourse should be avoided until your doctor has checked that the IUS is still in the correct position.
Use of sanitary pads is recommended. If tampons are used, you should change them more frequently, and with care so as not to pull the threads of the IUS when manipulating the tampon.
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 bleeding or 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 healthcare professional to make sure there is not another cause for the bleeding.
Your doctor or nurse can remove the intrauterine system (IUS) at any time, and you could quickly be able to become pregnant.
Many women with an IUS find that they experience an improvement of heavy periods after the IUS is fitted. Some women may stop having their periods altogether.
An IUS can be left in place for up to five years. After this time, it will need to be replaced with a new device. If you still wish to continue with this method then you should discuss it with your healthcare