(LNG-IUS) Intrauterine Contraception

The Hormonal Coil

What is an IUS (intrauterine system) or The Hormonal Coil?

An IUS (intrauterine system), also called a hormonal coil, is a small plastic T-shape that a doctor or nurse puts into your womb (uterus). It stops pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestogen into your womb.

An IUS is over 99% effective and lasts for 3 to 8 years, depending on the type.

An IUS is safe to use while breastfeeding and can usually be fitted soon after giving birth.

After an IUS is removed your fertility returns to previous levels straight away.

An IUS can make periods lighter, shorter, and less painful. It can be an effective treatment

for heavy periods.

An IUS can be used as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause symptoms.

Getting an IUS (intrauterine system) or Hormonal Coil fitted or removed

An IUS can be fitted any time in your menstrual cycle, as long as you're not pregnant.

If it's fitted in the first 5 days of your cycle (day 1 is the first day of your period), you'll be protected against pregnancy straight away. If it's fitted at any other time, use another type of contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days afterwards.

Having an IUS fitted should take about 5 to 10 minutes, but allow at least 30 minutes for the appointment.

Before your IUS is fitted

A test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be requested prior to the appointment.

You must be 100% certain you are not pregnant, (an IUS cannot be fitted if you are pregnant).

Some people find having an IUS fitted painful. You may want to take some painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen an hour before, if you're concerned about pain during the fitting.

The procedure

During the procedure, the nurse will gently put a smooth, tube shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so they can open it, like a cervical screening (a smear test).

They will insert the IUS into your womb through your cervix.

Tell the person fitting your IUS if you feel any pain or discomfort. You can ask them to stop at any time. You can have a friend or family
member in the room with you during the fitting if you want.

After an IUS is fitted

You might have some period-like pain for a few days after having an IUS fitted. Painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can help
with any pain. You might also have some light bleeding (spotting).

Checking an IUS is still in place

An IUS has 2 thin, soft threads that hang down a little way from your womb into the top of your vagina.

The doctor or nurse who fits your IUS will tell you how to feel these threads to check it's still in place.

Check your IUS is in place a few times in the first month and then regularly, such as after each period if you cannot feel the threads you should see your GP.

Possible side effects of an IUS

Period-like pain and bleeding (spotting) after having an IUS fitted.

Small fluid-filled sacs (cysts) on your ovaries – these are usually harmless and disappear without treatment.

A small chance of getting thrush that keeps coming back – talk to your GP if this happens.

Side effects of an IUS are most common for a few months after having it fitted. Many IUS users do not get any side effects.

Some people also report headaches, acne, sore breasts, and mood changes. There is not enough evidence to say if an IUS causes these.

If you get any of these symptoms, they should resolve within a few months. If side effects are a problem for you, speak to a GP.

Your partner should not be able to feel your IUS threads during sex. If they can, see your GP to have the threads checked.

How an IUS affects periods

An IUS can make periods shorter or lighter, or stop them altogether.

Your periods might become longer, irregular or more frequent. You may also have some light bleeding between your periods. This
should improve within a few months.

If irregular or heavy bleeding continues for longer than 6 months, see your GP for a check-up.

Some types of IUS are effective treatments for heavy periods.

Risks of an IUS

An IUS is very safe, but there are some rare risks, including:

Pelvic infections, usually within 3 weeks of having an IUS fitted.
Your IUS moving or coming out, usually within 3 months of having it fitted.
Damage to the womb.
Ectopic pregnancy if your IUS fails.
If you have any concerns of the above contact your GP.

Having an IUS removed

A trained nurse can remove your IUS at anytime.

An IUS is effective for 3 to 8 years, depending on the type.

If you're using an IUS as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause, it needs to be replaced every 5 years.

If you do not want to get pregnant, use another type of contraception, such as condoms, starting 7 days before you have it removed.