The IUS

What is the intrauterine system?

The hormonal intrauterine system (IUS) is a small, plastic T-shaped device with a cylinder around its stem that releases the hormone progestogen. The hormonal IUS is placed inside the uterus by a doctor.

How long does the IUS last?

The IUS can remain in place for up to 5 years.

How does the IUS work?

The IUS continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestogen to prevent pregnancy by changing the cervical mucus and preventing fertilisation and implantation.

Other considerations

The use of the IUS does not affect future fertility and about 80% of women wishing to become pregnant will conceive within 12 months following the removal of the IUS. Your doctor will also be able to answer any questions you may have about the hormonal IUS.

The information provided on this website about medicines is taken from the relevant Product Information/Consumer Medicine Information leaflets. Please see your doctor or pharmacist for more information on individual options.

New! Contraception conversation starters!

Contraception use

Almost a quarter of women surveyed about contraception and choice admit they have never considered changing from the contraceptive method they are currently using.

Contraception use

1 in 10 women say they are too uncomfortable to ask their partner to wear a condom.

Unplanned pregnancy

A Marie Stopes International survey revealed that an unplanned pregnancy was a reality for over half of the 2,003 Australian women surveyed.

Unplanned pregnancy

60% of these women were using contraception at the time they fell pregnant.

Unplanned pregnancy

The chances of a woman becoming pregnant from a single act of unprotected sex increases from almost nothing on day one of her period to 25% on the day prior to ovulation.

Talking to your GP

Research shows that 3 out of 10 Australian women have never visited their doctor specifically to talk about contraception or to have a contraception check-up.

Talking to your GP

49% of all women said that their doctor had never asked about their contraception during a check up.

Talking to your GP

7 out of 10 women said that their doctor had never encouraged them to consider alternative forms of contraception.

References
Safer sex and contraception fast facts – Family planning Victoria. Available at www.fpv.org.au. [Accessed December 2010].
Marie Stopes International Australia. Media release: research shows women place low priority on contraception. 25 August 2010.
Marie Stopes International Australia. Real Choices: Women, contraception and unplanned pregnancy. January 2008. Available at www.mariestopes.com.au/research. [Accessed December 2010 ].
IMP-10-AUS-7288-PE. First issued February 2011.

References
Marie Stopes International Australia. Media release: research shows women place low priority on contraception. 25 August 2010.
Marie Stopes International Australia. Real Choices: Women, contraception and unplanned pregnancy. January 2008. Available at www.mariestopes.com.au/research. [Accessed December 2010 ].
IMP-10-AUS-7288-PE. First issued February 2011.

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