Long Acting Contraception Checklist
Download the checklist and use it as a discussion guide.
Watch More About Sex,
Myths And Contraception.
Long Acting Contraception: Many myths. Many options. One reason to learn more
Intrauterine contraception? Modern technology means it probably doesn’t hurt too bad
Long Acting Contraception? I don’t think it matters what age you are
Where can I get Long Acting Contraception?
You can get Long Acting Contraception from your doctor. Book an appointment for consultation today.
Can I remove Long Acting Contraception at any time?
Yes, you can have your Long Acting Contraception removed at any time you choose by your doctor.
Can I use tampons with Long Acting Contraception?
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.
Can the IUS or IUD fall out?
Although it is technically possible, the IUS or IUD is very unlikely to fall out.
Will Long Acting Contraception affect my desire for sex?
The IUS and IUD won’t affect your desire, but the implant may cause minor changes to libido in around 10% of women.
Does Long Acting Contraception protect me against STIs?
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.
Why are there threads attached to the IUS and IUD?
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.
How will Long Acting Contraception affect my periods?
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.
What is the difference between an IUS and an IUD?
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.
When should the implant be inserted?
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.
How is the Implant placed?
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.
Does my body need to take regular breaks from hormones (IUS and Implant only)?
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.
Well, it’s different.
3‐10 years
It protects for
longer
You can’t
forget it
> 99%
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.
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
Choose
what matters most to you
(and we’ll guide you through)
Long Acting Contraception & the Pill
Compare the facts and see which benefits matter most to you
The Pill
The IUS(hormonal coil)
The IUD(copper coil)
The Implant
Long Acting Contraception
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
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
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.
Long Acting contraception
When do I need to think about them?
The pill
Every day
Once a day, it should be swallowed always at the same time every day.
The IUS
3-5
years
Lasts up to 3-5 years once placed. The duration of use depends on the product.
The IUD
3-10
years
Lasts up to 3-10 years once placed. The duration of use depends on the product.
The Implant
3
years
Lasts up to 3 years once placed by your doctor.
You would expect all contraceptives to stop you getting pregnant, right? Well, some methods are more effective than others...
1. Long Acting Contraception keeps working even when you forget about it. You have protection you can rely on. How well do they work?
Looking for something you don't need to think about everyday?
1. With Long Acting Contraception you don't need a routine and you don't need to worry about forgetting it.
So how do I use it?
2. With Long Acting Contraception you don't need a daily routine. It keeps working while you get on with enjoying life.
Long Acting Contraception could be a good choice. Why don't you discuss your options with your doctor? Talk to your doctor
2. Long Acting Contraception is a convenient alternative to the pill. You don't need to think about it everyday and it's really effective.
Long Acting Contraception could be a good choice. Why don't you discuss your options with your doctor? Talk to your doctor
How reliable are they?
The pill
of 1000
get pregnant
with typical use
The IUS
of 1000
get pregnant
with typical use
The IUD
of 1000
get pregnant
with typical use
The Implant
of 1000
get pregnant
with typical use
2. Only 2 of 1000 women on the IUS, IUD or Implant get pregnant, making these some of the most reliable methods out there.
What if I stop using it?
2. Only 2 of 1000 women on the IUS, IUD or Implant get pregnant, making these some of the most reliable methods out there.
Long Acting Contraception could be a good choice. Why don’t you discuss your options with your doctor?
Talk to your doctor
What makes them work? And where?
The pill
Hormones
released in whole body. May contain estrogen.
The IUS
Low hormone dose
released in womb, acts mainly locally.
The IUD
Copper ions
released in womb, act mainly locally.
The Implant
Hormones
released in whole body.
So you're interested in a low dose of hormones...
1. The IUS has lower hormone levels than the pill and is estrogen-free. The IUD has no hormones at all but instead releases copper. What about my period?
How can it affect my period?
The pill
Regular bleeding every month, may reduce bleeding and pain
The IUS
Lighter, shorter bleeding and less pain likely over time
The IUD
Heavier, longer bleeding likely; no reduced pain
The Implant
Irregular, lighter bleeding; may reduce pain
2. As well as having a low hormone dose, the IUS can cause lighter, shorter and less painful periods over time. Anything else I should know?
It's true, period pain can be quite unpleasant...
1. The IUS can make your periods less painful as well as being lighter, and shorter over time.What about my lifestyle?
Will it make me gain weight?
The pill
No
Small, if any change to body weight
The IUS
No
Small, if any change to body weight
The IUD
No
Small, if any change to body weight
The Implant
No
Small, if any change to body weight
Weight gain is something most women don’t want to have to deal with...
1. These methods won't normally make you gain weight. Changing your contraception doesn’t mean you have to change your lifestyle.
Anything else I should know?
2. These methods won't normally make you gain weight. Changing your contraception doesn't mean you have to change your lifestyle.
Long Acting Contraception could be a good choice. Why don't you discuss your options with your doctor? Talk to your doctor
What about thrombosis risk?
The pill
Slightly increased risk.
The IUS
Generally no increased risk.
The IUD
No increased risk.
The Implant
Generally no increased risk.
2. You can also rest assured that with Long Acting Contraception there's generally no increased risk of thrombosis.
Long Acting Contraception could be a good choice. Why don't you discuss your options with your doctor?
Talk to your doctor
3. You also have the peace of mind that with these methods there's generally no increased risk of thrombosis.
Long Acting Contraception could be a good choice. Why don't you discuss your options with your doctor? Talk to your doctor
Thrombosis is a rare but serious condition that has been linked to some forms of contraception...
1. With Long Acting Contraception you have the peace of mind that there's generally no increased risk of thrombosis.
What about my weight?
Can I get pregnant if I stop using it?
The pill
Yes, soon after stopping.
The IUS
Yes, soon after stopping.
The IUD
Yes, soon after stopping.
The Implant
Yes, soon after stopping.
3. It's also good to know that if your plans change and you decide to stop using it, you will return to your previous level of fertility.
Long Acting Contraception could be a good choice. Why don’t you discuss your options with your doctor? Talk to your doctor
How much does it cost?
The pill
Sometimes covered by your healthcare system. Please check costs in your country.
The IUS
Sometimes covered by your healthcare system. Please check costs for product and placement in your country.
The IUD
Sometimes covered by your healthcare system. Please check costs for product and placement in your country.
The Implant
Sometimes covered by your healthcare system. Please check costs for product and placement in your country.
So you need a contraceptive that won’t break the bank...
1. It costs less per year to protect yourself with Long Acting Contraception than the pill. It’s also more effective.
How effective is it?
How do I use it?
The pill
You get it prescribed by your doctor, buy it at your pharmacy and take it orally at the same time every day.
Hormones are then constantly released into your bloodstream to protect you.
The IUS
It is placed in your womb by your doctor during a standard office procedure. You can return home right away.
Hormones are then released locally in your womb to protect you.
Watch the video:
The IUD
It is placed in your womb by your doctor during a standard office procedure. You can return home right away.
The device contains a copper wire that releases copper into your system.
Watch the video:
The Implant
It is implanted into your upper arm by your doctor with a special needle under local anesthetic.
Hormones are then constantly released into your bloodstream to protect you.
See how it works:
2. Once placed by your doctor, Long Acting Contraception keeps working by itself. It's a convenient way of staying protected.
Long Acting Contraception could be a good choice. Why don't you discuss your options with your doctor? Talk to your doctor
So you're interested in a self administered method...
1. With the pill, you take it yourself. But remember, it's up to you keep yourself reliably protected. Is there an easier alternative?
Are there side effects?
The pill
Some people using the pill may experience side effects. Learn more
The IUS
Some people using an IUS may experience side effects. Learn more
The IUD
Some people using an IUD may experience side effects. Learn more
The Implant
Some people using an Implant may experience side effects. Learn more
Find out more
The pill
The IUS
The IUD
The Implant
Long Acting Contraception
is a suitable choice for many
women of different ages
who don’t want to get pregnant.
Once you stop using
Long Acting Contraception
your fertility will return to normal
so you can start a family when
you decide you’re ready.
When placing Long Acting
Contraception the majority
of women will feel only minor
or no pain.
Intrauterine contraception is a form of Long Acting Contraception that will not affect your body shape.
Take a look at these options to help you decide your next move.
Accessed Date: 9th September 2016