Download the checklist and use it as a discussion guide.
You can get Long Acting Contraception from your doctor. Book an appointment for consultation today.
Yes, you can have your 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.
3‐10 years
> 99%
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.
Long Acting Contraception
The IUS(hormonal coil)
The IUD(copper coil)
The Implant
(and we’ll guide you through)
Compare the facts and see which benefits matter most to you
Long Acting Contraception
The pill is a small tablet containing hormones that should be swallowed by the woman at the same time every day.
The intrauterine system is a small T-shaped frame made from soft, flexible plastic and is placed in your womb by your doctor.
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 contraceptive implant is a small flexible plastic rod that is placed under the skin of your upper arm by your doctor.
Long Acting contraception
Once a day, it should be swallowed always at the same time every day.
Lasts up to 3-5 years once placed. The duration of use depends on the product.
Lasts up to 3-10 years once placed. The duration of use depends on the product.
Lasts up to 3 years once placed by your doctor.
1. Long Acting Contraception keeps working even when you forget about it. You have protection you can rely on. How well do they work?
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
of 1000
get pregnant
with typical use
of 1000
get pregnant
with typical use
of 1000
get pregnant
with typical use
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
Hormones
released in whole body. May contain estrogen.
Low hormone dose
released in womb, acts mainly locally.
Copper ions
released in womb, act mainly locally.
Hormones
released in whole body.
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?
Regular bleeding every month, may reduce bleeding and pain
Lighter, shorter bleeding and less pain likely over time
Heavier, longer bleeding likely; no reduced pain
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?
1. The IUS can make your periods less painful as well as being lighter, and shorter over time.What about my lifestyle?
No
Small, if any change to body weight
No
Small, if any change to body weight
No
Small, if any change to body weight
No
Small, if any change to body weight
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
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
1. With Long Acting Contraception you have the peace of mind that there's generally no increased risk of thrombosis.
What about my weight?
Yes, soon after stopping.
Yes, soon after stopping.
Yes, soon after stopping.
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
Sometimes covered by your healthcare system. Please check costs in your country.
Sometimes covered by your healthcare system. Please check costs for product and placement in your country.
Sometimes covered by your healthcare system. Please check costs for product and placement in your country.
Sometimes covered by your healthcare system. Please check costs for product and placement in your country.
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?
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.
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
1. With the pill, you take it yourself. But remember, it's up to you keep yourself reliably protected. Is there an easier alternative?
Some people using the pill may experience side effects. Learn more
Some people using an IUS may experience side effects. Learn more
Some people using an IUD may experience side effects. Learn more
Some people using an Implant may experience side effects. Learn more
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.