A copper IUD (intrauterine device) is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that is inserted into the womb by a specially trained doctor or nurse. It works by stopping the egg and sperm from surviving in the womb or the fallopian tubes. It can also prevent a fertilised egg from implanting into the womb. Some copper IUDs contain more copper than others. Copper IUDs with more copper are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. There are various different types and sizes of copper IUD.

Who can use it?

The copper IUD can be used by anyone with a womb or cervix. Your doctor or nurse will ask about your sexual history to check if the copper IUD is the most suitable type of contraception for you. You should not use a copper IUD if you:

• Have an untreated STI or pelvic infection.
• Have problems with your womb or cervix (the entrance to the womb).
• Have had any unexpected bleeding from the vagina for example, between periods and after sex.
• You are already pregnant.

The clinician will counsel and assess your suitability fully before fitting a copper IUD to ensure it is suitable and safe for you.

Find out about an IUD (intrauterine device) or copper coil, including who can use it, how well it works and possible side effects below:

• IUD (intrauterine device) or copper coil – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Your guide to IUD
• Actinomyces-like Organism (ALO) have been identified in women both with and without intrauterine contraception. There is no need to change an intrauterine device in women with ALO if they are not experiencing any symptoms of infection. More information can be read about ALO here.

Important information about the procedure

Please ensure that you have reviewed the relevant information prior to your procedure appointment as we will not be able to proceed with the procedure if there is a pregnancy risk and the advice to avoid pregnancy has not been followed:

For removal or removal and refit: no sex for seven days prior to the procedure

For fitting: no sex since first day of last period or in the past three weeks, or correct contraception used for the past three weeks

An IUS (intrauterine system), also called a hormonal coil, is a small plastic T-shape that a doctor or nurse puts into your womb (uterus). It stops pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestogen into your womb. IUS brand names used are: Mirena, Levosert, Kyleena, Jaydess, Benilexa

• An IUS is not suitable for everyone.
• An IUS is over 99% effective and lasts for three to eight years, depending on the brand. (The Mirena coillicense has been extended to eight years from the date of insertion)
• An IUS is safe to use while breastfeeding and can usually be fitted soon after giving birth.
• After an IUS is removed your fertility returns to previous levels straight away.
• An IUS can make periods lighter, shorter, and less painful. It can be an effective treatment for heavy periods.
• An IUS can be used as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)for menopause symptoms.
• Actinomyces-like Organism (ALO) have been identified in women both with and without intrauterine contraception. There is no need to change an intrauterine device in women with ALO if they are not experiencing any symptoms of infection. More information can be read about ALO here.

An IUS does not stop you getting or passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use a condom every time you have sex to protect you and your partner against STIs including HIV.

Find out more information about an IUS (intrauterine system) or hormonal coil, including who can use it, how well it works and possible side effects on the NHS website: IUS (intrauterine system) or hormonal coil – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Important information about the procedure

Please ensure that you have reviewed the relevant information prior to your procedure appointment as we will not be able to proceed with the procedure if there is a pregnancy risk and the advice to avoid pregnancy has not been followed:

For removal or removal and refit: no sex for seven days prior to the procedure

For fitting: no sex since first day of last period or in the past three weeks, or correct contraception used for the past three weeks

Please watch: https://vimeo.com/368769451 – reproduced with permission from Lothian Sexual Health ©NHS Lothian 2022’

The contraceptive injection steadily releases the hormone progestogen into the bloodstream. This stops an egg from being released every month, thickens the mucus from the entrance to the womb (so it is harder for sperm to pass through to the womb and reach an egg) and makes the lining of the womb thinner (so the fertilised egg does not implant in the womb). If used correctly, the injection is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Who can use it?

The contraceptive injection can be used without problems in most cases. However, it may not be suitable if you:

• Think you might be pregnant.
• Want to keep having regular periods.
• Have been bleeding in between periods or after sex.
• Have arterial disease or a history of heart disease or stroke.
• Have a blood clot in a blood vessel (thrombosis).
• Have breast cancer or have had in the past.
• Have diabetes with complications.
• Have cirrhosis or liver tumours.
• Are at risk of osteoporosis.

The contraceptive implant is a small flexible rod that is inserted just under the surface of the skin of the upper arm. It slowly releases progestogen into the body, stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. It is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if implanted correctly.

Who can use it?

The contraceptive implant can be fitted in most cases. However, it might not be suitable if you:

• Think you might be pregnant.
• Want to keep having regular periods.
• Have bleeding in between periods or after sex.
• Have breast cancer or have had in the past.
• Have cirrhosis or liver tumours.

Find out more information about how the contraceptive implant works, how effective it is, and how to get and use it on the NHS website: Contraceptive implant – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Important information about your contraceptive implant fitting appointment

Important information about after your implant has been inserted or removed