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Intrauterine System IUS

IUS – Progestogen releasing Intrauterine ContraceptionWhat is the intrauterine system (IUS)?

A small soft plastic device containing the hormone progestogen is inserted into the womb. If you decide to use this method, a doctor or nurse will take about five minutes to place an intrauterine system inside you, and it lasts for five years. A small dose of progestogen is continuously released slowly from the system on a daily basis. The IUS prevents pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus at the entrance of the womb, making it difficult for sperm to get through. It also thins the lining of the womb to prevent an egg from being implanted, and in some women, ovulation is stopped.

Would the intrauterine system (IUS) suit me?

The IUS is suitable if you want reliable long-term contraception and you would prefer not to think about birth control on a daily basis. The IUS can stay in place for up to five years, and can be removed at any time by your doctor or nurse. Fertility returns immediately after removal of the IUS.

The IUS may suit you if you cannot tolerate estrogens. It can also be used while breast-feeding, as it does not affect the breast milk.

Additional benefits may include improvement of heavy and painful periods and protection against abnormal growth (endometrical hyperplasia) of the womb lining during estrogen replacement. Some women may have reduced bleeding and a few may have no bleeding, which can help people who suffer from anaemia.

There may be irregular bleeding for the first three months, but this should soon settle down. During the first few months you may experience some headaches, breast tenderness or nausea.
(Note: The IUS cannot be used as an emergency contraceptive). This method does not protect against STIs.

What other long-term contraceptive might suit me?

There are four long-term contraceptives. Please see below the comparison chart to see which of these option may be suitable for you.

Intrauterine Methods | Intrauterine System IUS | Intrauterine Device IUD


Intrauterine System IUS
Intrauterine System IUS

Intrauterine Device IUD
Intrauterine Device IUD

Injection
Contraceptive Injection

Implant
Contraceptive Implant

FAILURE RATE

FAILURE RATE

FAILURE RATE

FAILURE RATE

2| 1,000WOMEN(number of pregnancies after one year of use)1
6-8| 1,000WOMEN(number of pregnancies after one year of use)1
2-60| 1,000WOMEN(number of pregnancies after one year of use)1
< 1| 1,000WOMEN(number of pregnancies after one year of use)1

ADMINISTRATION

ADMINISTRATION

ADMINISTRATION

ADMINISTRATION

Placement in womb2
Placement in womb3
Injection in arm or buttock4
Placement under the skin of arm5

LENGTH OF PROTECTION

LENGTH OF PROTECTION

LENGTH OF PROTECTION

LENGTH OF PROTECTION

Up to 5 years1
Up to 5 to 10 years, depending on model3,6
12 weeks5
Up to 3 years1

RETURN TO FERTILITY

RETURN TO FERTILITY

RETURN TO FERTILITY

RETURN TO FERTILITY

No delay7
No delay7
Possible delay of up to 1 year following treatment cessation7
No delay7

MENSTRUAL BLEEDING

MENSTRUAL BLEEDING

MENSTRUAL BLEEDING

MENSTRUAL BLEEDING

  • Initially periods may be lighter or heavier, longer or shorter or absent.2
  • Infrequent or absent periods likely after several months.2
  • Bleeding and spotting days may increase in first few months.3
  • Bleeding may be heavier.3
  • Irregular and possibly lengthy bleeding or spotting or no bleeding at all.4
  • Periods may become more or less frequent, continuous or absent.5
  • May reduce or increase in intensity or duration.5

BODY WEIGHT

BODY WEIGHT

BODY WEIGHT

BODY WEIGHT

No effect7
No effect7
May cause weight gain of 2.3 – 3.6 kg in the first year4,7
No effect7

USE DURING BREASTFEEDING

USE DURING BREASTFEEDING

USE DURING BREASTFEEDING

USE DURING BREASTFEEDING

  • Yes2
  • 6 weeks after birth2
  • Yes3
  • 6 weeks after birth3
  • Yes4
  • 6 weeks after birth4
  • Yes5
  • 4 weeks after birth5

HEAVY PERIOD TREATMENT

HEAVY PERIOD TREATMENT

HEAVY PERIOD TREATMENT

HEAVY PERIOD TREATMENT

Yes8
No3
No4
No5

USE IN ESTROGEN THERAPY

USE IN ESTROGEN THERAPY

USE IN ESTROGEN THERAPY

USE IN ESTROGEN THERAPY

Yes – May be used in conjuction with estrogen as hormonal replacement therapy (HRT)8
No – Not recommended for use as hormonal replacement therapy (HRT)3

No – Not recommended for use as hormonal replacement therapy (HRT)4

No – Not recommended for use as hormonal replacement therapy (HRT)5

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1. Trussell J. Contraceptive failure in the United States. Contraception 83 (2011) 397–404. 2. Package leaflet: information for the user. Mirena: Corporate Patient Information. Bayer Schering Pharma. January, 2011. 3. Nova T – Copper Containing Intrauterine Device. Patient Information. Bayer Schering Pharma AG, November 2008. 4. Depo-Provera patient information leaflet. Pharmacia. August 2010. 5. Nexplanon – information for the user. Patient Information. July 2010. http://www.nexplanon.co.uk 6. Paragard T380A Prescribing Information. Duramed Pharmaceuticals, INC. 2006. http://www.paragard.com 7. Long-acting reversible contraception – the effective and appropriate use of long-acting reversible contraception. National Collaborating Centre for Women’s and Children’s Health. Commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinic Excellence, October 2005. Published by RCOG Press. ISBN 1-904752-18-7. 8. Mirena: The intrauterine system. Product Monograph. Bayer Schering Pharma. 2009. ISBN 978-1-904667-09-4.