Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Your questions answered

Can you see or feel longer-lasting contraception?

The IUD and IUS are very discreet.

You can feel to check it is in place but you and your partner won’t notice it during sex. Very occasionally you might see the implant just under the skin in your arm.

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What if I have troublesome bleeding?

Go back to your GP or see the family planning staff who can check whether you have any other problems causing this bleeding.

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Will I put on weight?

There is no evidence to suggest that longer-lasting contraception causes weight gain.

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Can longer-lasting contraception stop being effective?

You’re still over 99% protected against pregnancy if you need to take medication, such as antibiotics, at the same time as using longer-lasting contraception.

Only the implant is affected by certain types of medicine and your doctor or nurse will explain this.

How quickly longer-lasting contraception becomes fully effective depends on the stage you’re at in your monthly cycle when it is fitted – this is usually right away, but your doctor or nurse will explain this

Your doctor or nurse can advise you if you need to use condoms at this time.

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Is longer-lasting contraception safe while breastfeeding?

Yes. You can be fitted with longer-lasting contraception a month after giving birth.

It is safe to use if you are breastfeeding and won’t affect your milk supply.

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What if I become pregnant?

Longer-lasting contraception is over 99% effective, however, there is a slight chance you could become pregnant.

No contraception is 100% guaranteed. If you become pregnant with an IUD or IUS in place, there is a small chance that the pregnancy may develop in the fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy).

If you think you may be pregnant, whatever method you are using, you should see your GP as soon as possible.

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Next steps

• Want to try longer-lasting contraception? Find out what to do next