Frequently Asked Questions
Contraception from your doctor. Book an appointment for consultation today.
Long Acting Contraception removed at any time you choose by your doctor.
Yes, you can wear tampons with the IUS and IUD. It is recommended to use pads to reduce the risk of accidently pulling on the threads. When using an implant, it is up to you which hygiene products you use.
Although it is technically possible, the IUS or IUD is very unlikely to fall out.
The IUS and IUD won’t affect your desire, but the implant may cause minor changes to libido in around 10% of women.
No, Long Acting Contraception does not protect against STIs including HIV so make sure to protect yourself and your partner with a condom as well.
The threads are there so your doctor can easily and safely remove the device when you decide, or when it needs to be replaced. They are also there for you to check if the device is still in place.
Different methods of LAC will have different impact on your periods: Using IUS will change your regular flow. It usually takes up to 6 months to come to a stable pattern. Your regular bleeding may increase, decrease, or in some cases periods may disappear altogether. An IUD may impact your bleeding, usually the bleeding will increase. With the implant you may experience irregular bleeding, bleeding between periods, longer periods, spotting or no bleeding at all. In general these symptoms are nothing to worry about, but consult your doctor if you’re concerned.
The main difference between the IUS and IUD is that an IUS uses a slow release of hormones to prevent pregnancy while the IUD releases copper ions, although mainly both methods work locally inside the womb. Using an IUS will usually decrease your regular bleeding while using an IUD will usually cause it to increase.
Once your doctor has confirmed you aren’t pregnant, the implant will be inserted within a period of 7 days after the start of your period. If it is inserted at any other time you should use a non-hormonal method of contraception for 7 days after insertion.
The procedure only takes a couple of minutes and local anesthetic can be used so there should be very little pain. A small incision is made in the inside of your upper arm and the Implant is carefully inserted just beneath the skin. There may be slight bruising or soreness afterwards.
Taking a break from hormones to let your body “recover” is an old-fashioned belief that has no truth to it whatsoever. The dosage in the IUS and the Implant is low (the IUD doesn’t use hormones) and can be used for as long as you wish.
What is Long Acting Contraception?
(Find out in just 2 minutes)
Well, it’s different.
It protects for longer
You can’t forget it
It works really well
Long Acting Contraception describes a range of highly effective reversible contraceptive methods that last for an extended period of time. They mainly include the hormonal IUS, copper IUD, and Implant.
So does the same contraception suit all women?
Not quite, we are all different after all.
That’s why there’s a range of options for everyone.
Long Acting Contraception
The IUS
(hormonal coil)
The IUD
(copper coil)
The Implant
Long Acting Contraception & the Pill
Compare the facts and see which benefits matter most to you
The Pill
The pill is a small tablet containing hormones that should be swallowed by the woman at the same time every day.
The IUS (hormonal coil)
The intrauterine system is a small T-shaped frame made from soft, flexible plastic and is placed in your womb by your doctor.
The IUD (copper coil)
The intrauterine device is a small plastic T‐shaped apparatus that contains a copper wire. It is placed in your womb by your doctor.
The Implant
The contraceptive implant is a small flexible plastic rod that is placed under the skin of your upper arm by your doctor.
The Pill
Once a day, it should be swallowed always at the same time every day.
The IUS (hormonal coil)
Lasts up to 3-5 years once placed. The duration of use depends on the product.
The IUD (copper coil)
Lasts up to 3-10 years once placed. The duration of use depends on the product.
The Implant
Lasts up to 3 years once placed by your doctor.
The Pill
get pregnant with typical use
The IUS (hormonal coil)
get pregnant with typical use
The IUD (copper coil)
get pregnant with typical use
The Implant
get pregnant with typical use
The Pill
Hormones
released in whole body. May contain estrogen.
The IUS (hormonal coil)
Low hormone dose
released in womb, acts mainly locally.
The IUD (copper coil)
Copper ions
released in womb, act mainly locally.
The Implant
Hormones
released in whole body.
The Pill
Regular bleeding every month, may reduce bleeding and pain
The IUS (hormonal coil)
Lighter, shorter bleeding and less pain likely over time
Initially irregular bleeding possible
The IUD (copper coil)
Heavier, longer bleeding likely; no reduced pain
Initially irregular bleeding possible
The Implant
Irregular, lighter bleeding; may reduce pain
Initially irregular bleeding possible
The Pill
NO
Small, if any change to body weight
The IUS (hormonal coil)
NO
Small, if any change to body weight
The IUD (copper coil)
NO
Small, if any change to body weight
The Implant
