Intrauterine System - IUS
Intrauterine Method
An IUS is a small, flexible, T-shaped system that releases low levels of hormones and is placed inside the womb by your healthcare provider.
DETAILS
The intrauterine system (IUS) is a small, T-shaped device placed in your womb by your healthcare provider. It releases a steady amount of the hormone progestin each day.
This low-dose progestin thickens the mucus in your cervix, making it difficult for the sperm to make their way to the egg. Progestin also acts to thin the lining of your uterus, so a fertilised egg won’t be able to implant.
The IUS is one of the most reliable contraceptive methods and is 99.8% effective.
HOW TO
Speak to your healthcare provider to determine if an IUS is the right contraceptive method for you.
Once the IUS is inserted by a trained healthcare professional, you are protected from pregnancy for 3 to 5 years, depending on the make and model used.
Once the IUS is removed, you are no longer protected and can fall pregnant.
PROS
- It can be fitted at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you are not pregnant
- It works for 3 to 5 years, depending on the brand, but can be removed at any time
- It is suitable for women who want to avoid having to remember to take contraceptive pills or injections, and who want a long-acting, reversible contraceptive method
- It is one of the most effective contraceptive methods
- It does not interrupt sex
- Periods may become lighter, shorter and less painful
- It is safe to use when breastfeeding
- It is possible to become pregnant as soon as the IUS is removed
CONS
- It has to be fitted and removed by a trained healthcare professional
- Your periods may become irregular or stop completely, which may not suit everyone
- You may experience irregular bleeding or spotting in the first 6 months of use
- Some women may experience headaches, acne and breast tenderness
- There is a small risk of infection when the IUS is inserted and removed
- It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV), so you may need to use condoms as well
SIDE EFFECTS
You may experience:
Pain when the IUD is put in, and cramping or back aches for a few days after
- Changes in your monthly bleeding patterns (especially in the first 3 to 6 months), including:
Longer and heavier monthly bleeding
Irregular bleeding
More cramps and pain during monthly bleeding
These changes in bleeding are normal and are not harmful. If you find them bothersome, speak to your healthcare professional.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
An intrauterine system (IUS) is a small, T-shaped contraceptive device that fits inside the womb (uterus) and releases the female hormone progestogen into the body.
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.
The IUS was not invented for use as emergency contraception.
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 anaesthesia may be applied to the uterine cervix before the insertion.
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.
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.
Contraception Methods
CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
CONTRACEPTIVE RING
CONTRACEPTIVE RING
DIAPHRAGM
DIAPHRAGM
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
FEMALE CONDOM
FEMALE CONDOM
FERTILITY AWARENESS
FERTILITY AWARENESS
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
MALE CONDOM
MALE CONDOM
PULL-OUT METHOD
PULL-OUT METHOD
SPERMICIDES
SPERMICIDES
SPONGE
SPONGE
STERILISATION
STERILISATION
THE PILL
THE PILL
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