Advantages:

• Works for 5 or 6 years depending on the type, but can be removed sooner
• Bleeding usually becomes lighter, shorter, less painful, or may stop
• Don’t have to think about contraception for as long as it lasts
• Fertility returns immediately once it is removed, with no long-term effects
• No link to weight gain
• Not affected by diarrhoea and vomiting, as not absorbed by the tummy

Disadvantages:

• May cause irregular bleeding/spotting, especially in the first 6 months
• Small risk of getting an infection after it is fitted
• Small risk of perforation
• Some women find the insertion procedure uncomfortable, causing bad period type pains
• No protection against STI’s

Comments:

• You are taught to check the IUS is in place
• Not affected by other medicines
• If fitted at or after age 45; certain IUS’s can stay in place as contraception until the menopause

Further Information:

https://www.sexwise.org.uk/