Intrauterine system (IUS/Hormonal coil)

About: The IUS is a small plastic device that looks like a letter T and is inserted into your womb by a doctor or nurse. It is estimated to be over 99% effective and is one most effective forms of contraception available in the UK.
How it works: The IUS releases a progestogen hormone. This prevents sperm from entering the womb and thins the lining of the womb.
How to use it: A doctor or nurse will fit your IUS. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. It can stay in for three to five years depending on the type and easily removed. You will be shown how to check that it is still in place.
Who can use it: You may not be able to use an IUS if you have (or have had) breast cancer, cervical cancer, liver disease, arterial disease, heart disease or stroke, an untreated STI or pelvic infection, problems with your womb, or a womb infection after recently giving birth.
Advantages: Include that it lasts for three to five years (or until removed), can be used while breast feeding, not affected by other medicines, your fertility returns to normal as soon as it’s removed, periods may be lighter, shorter and less painful.
Disadvantages: Includes that it doesn’t protect against STIs and may take up to seven days to be effective. A small number of women may experience acne, mood swings, headaches and breast tenderness. Vaginal bleeding is also common initially.
Where to get it: Most types of contraception are free in the UK and available to all men and women through the NHS and some young people’s services. Not all doctors and nurses are trained to fit an IUS so check when booking.
Fitting the coil IUD/IUS: Please see the NHS video below showing useful information about having a coil fitted.
Removing the Coil IUD/IUS: Please see the NHS video below showing more information about removing the coil.
More about Intrauterine system (IUS/Hormonal coil)

About the intrauterine system (IUS)

An IUS is a small flexible plastic device that is inserted into your womb by a specially trained doctor or nurse. It looks like a letter T and when inserted releases a progestogen hormone. An IUS last from three to five years and is estimated to be over 99% effective. It has a very low failure rate of just 1 in 2000 cases making it one of the most effective forms of contraception available in the UK.

There are two different types of IUS. Both work in the same way but last for different periods of time as they release different amounts of the hormone. For more information on the different types, check the Useful Links at the end of this page.

How it works

The IUS releases a progestogen hormone, similar to those naturally released by the ovaries. This:

  • Thickens the mucus at the entrance to the womb, making it difficult for sperm to pass and reach an egg
  • Thins the lining of the womb to prevent an egg that has joined with a sperm from growing in the womb
  • In some women, it also stops the release of an eggs some of the time

How to use it

A doctor or nurse will fit your IUS. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. The IUS will be inserted into your vagina and then into your womb. They will explain how to feel for the two threads that hang down so you can check that it is still in place.

If you feel unwell, have pain in your lower stomach with a high temperature or smelly discharge from your vagina, go back to the clinic where it was fitted. You may have an infection.

Who can use it

Most women can use an IUS. This includes young women, women who have never been pregnant, and those who are HIV positive. You may not be able to use an IUS if you have:

  • Breast cancer (or have had it in the last five years)
  • Cervical cancer
  • Liver disease
  • Arterial disease or history of serious heart disease or stroke
  • An untreated STI or pelvic infection
  • Rare problems with your womb (present since or before birth)

Advantages

There are many advantages to using the IUS:

  • Lasts from three to five years
  • One of the most effective forms of contraception available in the UK
  • Periods may become much lighter, shorter, usually less painful and may even stop completely after the first year of use
  • Safe to use while breastfeeding
  • Not affected by other medicines
  • Good for women who can’t take the hormone oestrogen
  • Fertility returns to normal when the IUS is removed

Disadvantages

It’s also worth bearing in mind that with the IUS:

  • The procedure can cause some discomfort but painkillers can help
  • In very rare cases, some women experience acne, mood swings, headaches and breast tenderness
  • Some women may experience irregular vaginal bleeding and spotting in the first six months
  • It doesn’t protect against STIs. You may have to use condoms as well

There is also a small increased risk of:

  • Infection after IUS is first fitted if an infection is present at the time of fitting
  • The IUS making a hole in the womb or neck of the womb. This is a very low risk if fitted by an experienced clinician (1 in 1000 cases)
  • The IUS coming out. There is a very small risk of this and your doctor or nurse will teach you how to check it is in place
  • Developing small cysts filled with fluid on the ovaries – these usually disappear without treatment
  • In the very rare event of a pregnancy, there is an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

Where to get it

Most types of contraception are free in the UK. Contraception is free to all women and men through the NHS. You can get an IUS fitted in contraception or sexual health clinics and some GP surgeries. Not all doctors or nurses will fit an IUS so make sure you mention you would like to discuss an IUS when making the appointment.

An IUS is best fitted at the beginning of your monthly cycle when you are on your period. This will rule out pregnancy.

Fitting the coil IUD/IUS

Please see the NHS video below showing useful information about having a coil fitted:

 

Removing the Coil IUD/IUS

Please see the NHS video below showing more information about removing the coil.

Need contraception?

Useful links

  • The Family Planning Association’s has lots more information on the IUS and frequently asked questions
  • NHS Choices has lots of information about contraception with specific pages on the IUS
  • Brook has lots of information and advice on contraception written for people under 25, including the IUS
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