SHL.UK on Twitter
SHL.UK on Facebook
My
Account
Self-
Sampling
About Self-Sampling
Urine Sample
Vaginal Swab
Finger-Prick Blood
Throat Swab
Rectal Swab
About
STIs
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
HIV
Syphilis
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
LGV
Sexual
Health
Support
PEP and PrEP
Sexual Assault
Drugs & Alcohol
Young People
Contraception
Find a Clinic
Find PrEP
About
SHL.UK
About SHL.UK
Where is SHL.UK Available
How It Works
Service FAQs
Contact Us
Self-Sampling
About STIs
Sexual Health Support
About SHL.UK
How It Works
Service FAQs
Contact Us
Find a Clinic
Find PrEP
Intrauterine System
Home
Contraception
Intrauterine System
What is it?
A small, flexible piece of soft plastic that fits inside the womb.
It is easily inserted by a trained health care professional.
It releases a hormone progestogen into the womb.
How does it work?
The hormone thickens the mucus at the entrance to the womb preventing sperm getting through and thins the lining of your womb preventing implantation of a fertilised egg. It may also stop ovulation (eggs being released from the ovaries) in somewomen.
What’s great about it?
Extremely effective (>99%). Less than 1 in 500 women will become pregnant using the device.
Contraception lasts for 3-5 years unless you want it removed earlier.
Periods usually become lighter, shorter and sometimes less painful.
Intrauterine system users, by one year, commonly do not experience any bleeding.
Can be used by women who have never had a baby.
Fertility returns as soon as it is removed.
There will be no need to take pills, interrupt sex or requirement to attend clinic regularly after insertion.
Is not affected by other medications.
What’s not so great about it?
No protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - condoms advised.
Insertion can be slightly uncomfortable. Local anaesthetic is offered.
Can cause unpredictable bleeding pattern for the first three months, but after this time bleeding becomes infrequent and irregular, or stops altogether.
Can become displaced or fall out (expulsion) but this is uncommon (5 in 100) and you can do checks yourself to make sure it’s in place.
Small risk of pelvic infection for up to 3 weeks after insertion. This risk is reduced by having a sexual health screen prior to the fitting.
Very small risk of perforating the womb or cervix (1 in 500 risk).
Where can I get it?
Sexual Health services. A preliminary appointment is usually required before fitting this method to discuss the method fully, screen for infections and schedule a fitting date.
Family planning clinics
Some GP practices