An intra-uterine device (IUD) or intra-uterine system (IUS) are two different types of contraceptive coils (sometimes known simply as a coil). They are both very effective at preventing pregnancy.
A contraceptive coil is a small device that is inserted into the womb. An IUD will work for 5 to 10 years, and an IUS works for 3 to 5 years, so you don’t need to remember to do anything else to prevent pregnancy during this time.
A coil does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So even if you decide to use one you should use condoms as well.
A small, T-shaped device. It has two thin threads that hang down from your womb into the top of your vagina.
Although an IUD and an IUS look similar, they are made out of different things. The IUD is made out of plastic and copper (which is why some people call it a copper coil or a copper IUD). An IUS does not have copper in it. It contains the hormone progestogen instead.
A trained healthcare professional will fit your coil, normally at a sexual health clinic or your local health clinic.
The IUD releases copper into the womb, while an IUS releases progestogen. Both these things change the mucus inside the cervix (the womb’s entrance), which makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg and survive. It also stops a fertilised egg from implanting itself in the womb and growing.
The coil is fitted by gently putting a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so that it can go into your womb. Fitting it should take around five minutes, and you are likely to be tested for STIs beforehand.
The healthcare professional who fits your coil will show you how to find the threads so you can check each month that it is still in place.
Advantages
IUD and IUS:
you do not have to think about birth control, so you are in control of whether you get pregnant or not
it is safe to use and can be removed if you have side effects
you can have it taken out at any time, and your natural fertility (ability to have a baby) will quickly return
you can use it no matter what other medication you are taking, including HIV treatment
IUD only:
once fitted, it works straight away
it works for 5-10 years, depending on the brand
it is non-hormonal so it doesn’t have the same side effects as the contraceptive pill, implant or injection
it can be used as a form of emergency contraception.
IUS only:
it works for three to five years, depending on the brand
you can get one at any point in your menstrual cycle. It'll work straight away if it's fitted in the first seven days of your cycle, but if it's fitted at any other time during your cycle you'll need to use other contraception for seven days afterwards.
it may be a good option if you cannot take the hormone oestrogen, which is used in the combined contraceptive pill
it can make your periods less heavy and painful, and after a year they might stop completely
Disadvantages
IUD and IUS:
having a coil fitted can be uncomfortable and even painful. You can have a local anaesthetic (numbing medication) to help if so
a coil doesn’t protect you or your partner from STIs, including HIV – only condoms prevent pregnancy and STIs
it's very unlikely that your coil will come out, but if you cannot feel the threads or think it has moved, you may not be protected against pregnancy
IUD:
your periods might become heavier, longer or more painful. This is likely to improve after a few months
IUS:
you might get headaches, mood swings, spots or breast tenderness. But these side effects usually go after a few months
Every 5 to 10 years for the IUD. Every three to five years for the IUS.
You should go to your doctor. You might also consider taking emergency contraception.
You should also use condoms if you have sex, at least until you get a new coil or swap to a different contraceptive method.
No. Once a coil is removed, you’ll be able to get pregnant straight away.
Here are a few questions to help kick-off discussions on the issues you need to talk about! You can share them on social, on WhatsApp or just get talking.
This is very unlikely to happen, it only happens in rare cases. And if a tear does happen it won’t cause any lasting harm.
On very rare occasions a contraceptive coil can work its way down through the cervix. This means it won’t be effective at preventing pregnancy but it’s not dangerous.
No, anyone with a womb can use a coil, whether you’ve had children or not.
Yes – but only if you have an STI. If you have an undiagnosed STI when you have an IUD or IUS fitted, it increases your risk of getting a pelvis infection during the first 20 days of having the coil. After this, your risk is the same as anyone else’s. If you think you might be at risk of STIs, it’s a good idea to use condoms as well, or consider using a different type of contraception.
If you have a contraceptive coil and are worried about side effects, talk to your healthcare professional as there are plenty of other birth control methods you can try.
The best thing you can do is to give them clear and accurate information, respect their decisions, be open and do not judge.
They might feel embarrassed about discussing sex with you. If they are, connect them with a friendly healthcare professional, a helpline or factual online resources, like this website.
A small, T-shaped device. It has two thin threads that hang down from your womb into the top of your vagina.
Although an IUD and an IUS look similar, they are made out of different things. The IUD is made out of plastic and copper (which is why some people call it a copper coil or a copper IUD). An IUS does not have copper in it. It contains the hormone progestogen instead.
A trained healthcare professional will fit your coil, normally at a sexual health clinic or your local health clinic.
The IUD releases copper into the womb, while an IUS releases progestogen. Both these things change the mucus inside the cervix (the womb’s entrance), which makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg and survive. It also stops a fertilised egg from implanting itself in the womb and growing.
The coil is fitted by gently putting a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so that it can go into your womb. Fitting it should take around five minutes, and you are likely to be tested for STIs beforehand.
The healthcare professional who fits your coil will show you how to find the threads so you can check each month that it is still in place.
Advantages
IUD and IUS:
you do not have to think about birth control, so you are in control of whether you get pregnant or not
it is safe to use and can be removed if you have side effects
you can have it taken out at any time, and your natural fertility (ability to have a baby) will quickly return
you can use it no matter what other medication you are taking, including HIV treatment
IUD only:
once fitted, it works straight away
it works for 5-10 years, depending on the brand
it is non-hormonal so it doesn’t have the same side effects as the contraceptive pill, implant or injection
it can be used as a form of emergency contraception.
IUS only:
it works for three to five years, depending on the brand
you can get one at any point in your menstrual cycle. It'll work straight away if it's fitted in the first seven days of your cycle, but if it's fitted at any other time during your cycle you'll need to use other contraception for seven days afterwards.
it may be a good option if you cannot take the hormone oestrogen, which is used in the combined contraceptive pill
it can make your periods less heavy and painful, and after a year they might stop completely
Disadvantages
IUD and IUS:
having a coil fitted can be uncomfortable and even painful. You can have a local anaesthetic (numbing medication) to help if so
a coil doesn’t protect you or your partner from STIs, including HIV – only condoms prevent pregnancy and STIs
it's very unlikely that your coil will come out, but if you cannot feel the threads or think it has moved, you may not be protected against pregnancy
IUD:
your periods might become heavier, longer or more painful. This is likely to improve after a few months
IUS:
you might get headaches, mood swings, spots or breast tenderness. But these side effects usually go after a few months
Every 5 to 10 years for the IUD. Every three to five years for the IUS.
You should go to your doctor. You might also consider taking emergency contraception.
You should also use condoms if you have sex, at least until you get a new coil or swap to a different contraceptive method.
No. Once a coil is removed, you’ll be able to get pregnant straight away.
Here are a few questions to help kick-off discussions on the issues you need to talk about! You can share them on social, on WhatsApp or just get talking.
This is very unlikely to happen, it only happens in rare cases. And if a tear does happen it won’t cause any lasting harm.
On very rare occasions a contraceptive coil can work its way down through the cervix. This means it won’t be effective at preventing pregnancy but it’s not dangerous.
No, anyone with a womb can use a coil, whether you’ve had children or not.
Yes – but only if you have an STI. If you have an undiagnosed STI when you have an IUD or IUS fitted, it increases your risk of getting a pelvis infection during the first 20 days of having the coil. After this, your risk is the same as anyone else’s. If you think you might be at risk of STIs, it’s a good idea to use condoms as well, or consider using a different type of contraception.
If you have a contraceptive coil and are worried about side effects, talk to your healthcare professional as there are plenty of other birth control methods you can try.
The best thing you can do is to give them clear and accurate information, respect their decisions, be open and do not judge.
They might feel embarrassed about discussing sex with you. If they are, connect them with a friendly healthcare professional, a helpline or factual online resources, like this website.
