Intrauterine System (IUS)
PROS/CONS
Pros
- Easy to use
- Not user dependent
- Highly effective
- Can be helpful for
heavy periods - Reversible
- Long lasting
- Oestrogen free
- Doesn’t interrupt sex
- Breastfeeding
Don’t need to remember to take/use it every day or every time you have sex.
Cons
Irregular bleeding and spotting can be common in the first 3-6 months of use. Lighter and shorter periods then tend to follow and for some women periods may stop altogether.
The pros and cons listed are not exhaustive. Talk to your doctor or nurse for more information.
SIDE EFFECTS
IUS side effects
Different to the contraceptive pill or other forms of hormonal contraception (implant, injection, ring, patch), the hormones in the IUS are thought to act locally, which means they are concentrated in the womb, with lower levels of hormone in the blood.
This means the hormones may be less likely to cause negative symptoms, i.e mood changes, that may occur with other hormonal contraceptive methods.
- Will the IUS affect my periods?
- Can the IUS cause weight gain?
- Can the IUS cause mood swings?
- Does the IUS affect acne?
- Other common side effects
- RISKS
An IUS will affect your periods. Irregular bleeding and spotting can be common in the first 3-6 months of use. However, lighter, and shorter periods then tend to follow and for some women periods may stop altogether. It is for this reason that the IUS can be used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0149 January 2024
