Intrauterine systems

The Intrauterine systems (IUS) is a small, T-shaped piece of plastic, which contain either copper or a hormone that prevents pregnancy (brand name Mirena^®). Your health care provider puts the IUD or IUS in the uterus, also known as the womb, where it can remain for up to 5 years, depending on the type you and your health care provider select.

The Intrauterine systems is not intended to protect you from sexually transmitted diseases— called STDs for short—which are diseases, infections, or illnesses that can spread from one person to another through sexual contact. Some examples of STDs are chlamydia, herpes, HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

What you need to do:

Be sure to have regular checkups and consult with your health care provider if you have any unusual symptoms.

Pros:

• This is the longest lasting method (copper IUD lasts up to 10 years).
• You do not have to do anything right before, during, or after sex.
• The ability to get pregnant will return soon after the device is removed.
• May lessen cramps and bleeding during monthly periods.
• In some cases, women using the IUS may stop having their periods, which is perfectly safe. This could be considered a pro or a con.

Cons:

• This method is best for women who have one (faithful) partner.
• In some cases, women using the IUS may stop having their periods, which is perfectly safe. This could be considered a pro or a con.
• May have the same side effects as birth control pills, injections, and implants.

Effectiveness:

This guide gives effectiveness percentages for two categories of contraceptive use: typical use, which includes people who may not always u`se a method exactly how and when they were supposed to use it, and perfect use, which indicates how effective the method would be if it were always used correctly.

• Perfect use: In a group of 100 women using the IUS, maybe 1 woman and probably no one in the group might become pregnant in one year.
• Typical use: In a group of 100 women using the IUS, maybe 1 woman and probably no one in the group might become pregnant in one year.

Available Intrauterine systems:

Mirena^® is made of soft, flexible plastic and gradually releases a very small amount of levonorgestrel (one of the hormones commonly found in the birth control pill) every day to prevent pregnancy. It is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It can be left in place for up to five years. Irregular bleeding and spotting can occur during the first few months of use, but after that, most women get lighter, less painful periods on a regular schedule. About one woman in five stops having her period completely after an IUS is inserted. This is safe, and many women welcome it.

To learn more about Intrauterine systems, please visit any of these web sites or ask your health care provider:

Planned Parenthood 'IUD' Facts
EngenderHealth 'IUD'
Emory University School of Medicine 'Levonorgestrel IUD'

You cannot use any type of intrauterine contraception if you have recently been diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection that affects the lining of the uterus, the fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries.