Long-acting contraception is the most effective form of birth control and can last up to a few years depending on chosen method. You can compare different methods, including how well they work and side effects, when choosing a method of contraception.
Most types of contraception are available for free in the UK through the NHS. You can contact us to discuss long acting contraception and make an appointment or if you need to have your current coil or implant changed.
Many GPs in Leeds also provide long-acting reversible contraception (intrauterine contraception/coils and contraceptive implants). You may wish to contact your GP to see if they are able to provide this or arrange this for you.
Online options
If you are sure of the method you would like, you can request the following online:
• Sayana Press Injection (repeat only)
You can use the service finder to find a service near you.
Types of Long-acting Contraception (LAC)
Non-hormonal copper coil (IUD)
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:
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
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.
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
Get more advice and aftercare information about the coil.
Contraceptive Injection
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.
Find out about the contraceptive injection, including how well it works and possible side effects on the NHS website
Hormonal Implant
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)
There are many types of contraception available and none are perfect. The Contraception Choices website provides honest information to help weigh up the pros and cons.
