Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Different types of longer-lasting contraception

How do they work?

Longer-lasting contraception works by stopping ovulation or fertilisation, or both. They give you over 99% protection against pregnancy.

They are suitable for you at any age and no matter whether you have had children or not.

All three types are discreet - they can't be seen and can't be felt during sex.

Once fitted, you shouldn’t have to think about your longer-lasting contraception – the nurse or doctor can teach you how to check it is still in place.

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The intrauterine device (IUD)

• An IUD or ‘coil’ is a small plastic and copper device fitted inside your womb.
• An IUD can last for 5 to 10 years.
• It is a hormone-free contraception.
• It suits women who can’t use the combined pill or want an alternative to the pill.

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Possible IUD side effects

Your periods may last longer, become heavier or more painful, but this often improves during the first few months of use.

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Fitting an IUD

Fitting, including the consultation and internal examination, can take up to 20 minutes.

Having an IUD fitted can be a little uncomfortable but a local anaesthetic or pain relief tablets will help.

You may experience some pain and light bleeding for a couple of days afterwards.

Even though your doctor or nurse is trained to fit this type of contraception, in very rare cases – around 1 in 1,000 – an IUD might move outside your womb during fitting.

This can be painful and the device may need to be surgically removed. To make sure this has not happened, you may be invited for a check-up after 6 weeks.

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Removing an IUD

Removing an IUD doesn’t take long. The doctor or nurse just gently pulls on small threads coming through the cervix (neck of the womb).

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The intrauterine system (IUS)

• An IUS is a small T-shaped plastic device fitted inside your womb that releases a hormone like progesterone.
• The brand name is Mirena.
• An IUS can last for 5 years.
• It suits women who can’t use the combined pill or want an alternative to the pill.
• Your periods are likely to become lighter, shorter and less painful, and even stop completely after a while.

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Possible IUS side effects

A few women complain of acne, headaches and sore breasts.

Fitting an IUS

Fitting, including the consultation and internal examination, can take up to 20 minutes. Having an IUS fitted can be a little uncomfortable but a local anaesthetic or pain relief tablets will help.

You may experience some pain and light bleeding for a couple of days afterwards.

Even though your doctor or nurse is trained to fit this type of contraception, in very rare cases – around 1 in 1,000 – an IUS might move outside your womb or cervix during fitting.

This can be painful and the device may need to be surgically removed. To make sure this has not happened, you may be invited for a check-up after 6 weeks.

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Removing an IUS

Removing an IUS doesn’t take long. The doctor or nurse just gently pulls on small threads coming through the cervix (neck of the womb).

The implant

• An implant is a small flexible rod that releases hormones and is inserted under the skin on the inside of your upper arm.
• The brand name is Implanon.
• An implant can last for 3 years.
• It suits women who can’t use the combined pill or want an alternative to the pill.
• It doesn’t require an internal examination.
• An implant can be less effective if you use certain types of medicine, especially drugs to treat HIV, epilepsy and tuberculosis, and the complementary medicine, St John’s Wort.

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Possible implant side effects

Your periods are likely to become irregular/unpredictable and may even stop altogether – it depends on the individual.

A few women complain of acne or headaches.

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Fitting an implant

Having an implant put in your arm feels a bit like having an injection. A local anaesthetic to numb the area will stop it hurting.

Your arm may be a little sore and bruised for a couple of days, so you will need to cover the area with a dressing for 48 hours, and keep it clean and dry for a week.

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Removing an implant

An implant is removed through a tiny cut in your skin.

You can have a local anaesthetic so it won’t hurt and you won’t be left with a noticeable scar.

Other types of longer-lasting contraception

You may have heard about other types of longer-lasting contraception, such as injections and vaginal rings. These are similar to the methods discussed above but don’t last as long.

You can get further information on these other types of contraception from your GP or family planning staff or by visiting our page on contraception.

Next steps

• Worried about things you've heard about the implant, IUD or IUS? Read answers to common questions about longer-lasting contraception
• Want to try longer-lasting contraception? Find out what to do next