IUS
The IUS (intrauterine system) is a small ‘T’ shaped device that is inserted inside a woman’s womb that contains a hormone called progestogen. It can last up to 5 years. The IUS works by thinning the lining of your womb and in some women it can stop the ovaries releasing an egg.
How effective is the IUS?
The IUS is more than 99% effective (this means that each year less than one woman in a 100 will get pregnant using this method to prevent pregnancy).
Advantages
It won’t interrupt sex.
Your periods usually become shorter, lighter and sometimes less painful. In some women they stop completely after the first year of use.
Your normal fertility returns quickly after the IUS is removed.
The IUS can also be used as part of HRT (hormonal replacement therapy).
The IUS can last up to 5 years once inserted.
Disadvantages
In some women periods may become irregular and more painful.
A small number of women can get an infection in the first 20 days after insertion of the IUS.
The IUS can sometimes fall out but your Doctor/Nurse will show you how to check that it’s still in place.
Very occasionally (about 2 in 1000 women) the IUS may go through your womb.
How is the IUS inserted?
Your IUS is fitted by a Doctor or Nurse either at your GP or a sexual health clinic. Prior to fitting you will be given a full consultation to make sure the IUS is right for you. Fitting an IUS takes approximately 10-15 minute and involves being examined internally.
