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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

You love your job now, but do you still want to be doing it in 10 years’ time? And that guy you’re dating? Is he the one for now? Or forever? When you start thinking about big questions like that, it can feel overwhelming.

Intrauterine contraception? Modern technology means it probably doesn’t hurt too bad

'You can’t get pregnant if you have sex under water'. 'You can get pregnant if you use the same towel as a guy'. 'You can’t get pregnant if the girl is on top'. Most women hopefully know that all the contraceptive myths they have heard are just that; myths.

Long Acting Contraception? I don’t think it matters what age you are

Getting older is a good thing. After all, would you want to be the same person at 27 that you were at 17? In a decade, you’ve matured, you’ve developed, you’ve become a different person with different ambitions and different priorities.
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Long Acting Contraception: Many myths. Many options. One reason to learn more
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If you still want to know more click here for our FAQs.

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.

What is Long Acting Contraception?

(Find out in just 2 minutes)

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.

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

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 Pill 

intrauterine system

The IUS(hormonal coil)

intrauterine device

The IUD(copper coil)

contraceptive implant

The Implant 

Long Acting Contraception

the pill The pill

The pill is a small tablet containing hormones that should be swallowed by the woman at the same time every day.

intrauterine system 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.

intrauterine device 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.

contraceptive implant 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 The pill
Every day

Once a day, it should be swallowed always at the same time every day.

intrauterine system The IUS
3-5 years

Lasts up to 3-5 years once placed. The duration of use depends on the product.

intrauterine device The IUD
3-10 years

Lasts up to 3-10 years once placed. The duration of use depends on the product.

contraceptive implant The Implant
contraceptive 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 The pill
up to 90 of 1000 get pregnant

of 1000

get pregnant
with typical use

intrauterine system The IUS
2 of 1000 get pregnant

of 1000

get pregnant
with typical use

intrauterine device The IUD
2 of 1000 get pregnant

of 1000

get pregnant
with typical use

contraceptive implant The Implant
2 of 1000 get pregnant

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 The pill

Hormones

released in whole body. May contain estrogen.

intrauterine system The IUS

Low hormone dose

released in womb, acts mainly locally.

intrauterine device The IUD

Copper ions

released in womb, act mainly locally.

contraceptive implant 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 The pill

Regular bleeding every month, may reduce bleeding and pain

intrauterine system The IUS

Lighter, shorter bleeding and less pain likely over time

intrauterine device The IUD

Heavier, longer bleeding likely; no reduced pain

contraceptive implant 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 The pill

No

Small, if any change to body weight

intrauterine system The IUS

No

Small, if any change to body weight

intrauterine device The IUD

No

Small, if any change to body weight

contraceptive implant 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 The pill
Slightly

Slightly increased risk.

intrauterine system The IUS
No

Generally no increased risk.

intrauterine device The IUD
No

No increased risk.

contraceptive implant The Implant
No

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 The pill

Yes, soon after stopping.

intrauterine system The IUS

Yes, soon after stopping.

intrauterine device The IUD

Yes, soon after stopping.

contraceptive implant 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 The pill

Sometimes covered by your healthcare system. Please check costs in your country.

intrauterine system The IUS

Sometimes covered by your healthcare system. Please check costs for product and placement in your country.

intrauterine device The IUD

Sometimes covered by your healthcare system. Please check costs for product and placement in your country.

contraceptive implant 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 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.

intrauterine system 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:

intrauterine system placement video
intrauterine device 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:

intrauterine device placement video
contraceptive implant 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:

contraceptive implant 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 The pill

Some people using the pill may experience side effects. Learn more

intrauterine system The IUS

Some people using an IUS may experience side effects. Learn more

intrauterine device The IUD

Some people using an IUD may experience side effects. Learn more

contraceptive implant The Implant

Some people using an Implant may experience side effects. Learn more

Find out more

the pill The pill

Find out more about
the pill

intrauterine system The IUS

Find out more about
the IUS

intrauterine device The IUD

Find out more about
the IUD

contraceptive implant The Implant

Find out more about
The Implant

More Questions?

Perhaps we can help to clear up a few common myths about LAC.

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.

What’s next for you and Long Acting Contraception?

Take a look at these options to help you decide your next move.

This checklist will help you talk about Long Acting Contraception with your friends. Use it to remind yourself of the important topics to discuss with them.

This checklist will help you prepare for your doctor’s visit. Take it with you to use as a discussion guide about the topics that matter to you.

This checklist will help to remind you what Long Acting Contraception is if you decide to change your contraception method in the future.

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Reference: http://www.fpa.org.uk/contraception-help/your-guide-contraception
Accessed Date: 9th September 2016
The pill
The IUS (hormonal coil)
The IUD (copper coil)
The
Implant

How is an IUS or IUD placed?

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CONTRACEPTION METHODS

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