Coils – IUS & IUD

Britt Talk about coils

Is a coil the right thing for you? In this episode of Britt Talk, Britt and Julia ask Doctor Rosa everything they want to know about it.

Two types

1. IUS (intrauterine system – a hormonal coil): The hormones in an IUS prevent pregnancy. A hormonal coil prevents pregnancy for 3-5 years.
2. IUD (intrauterine device – a coil): The IUD contains copper and that prevents pregnancy. An IUD prevents pregnancy for 5-10 years.

How to go about it

• First decide which kind of coil you want: an IUS with hormones or an IUD with copper.
• Make an appointment with a doctor or another healthcare professional. He or she will insert the coil into your uterus.
• You can leave the coil in place for 3-10 years.

Where can you get a coil?

You can get an IUS or IUD through your doctor.

Reliable

In theory, a coil is just as reliable as the pill. But actually the coil is more reliable, because you don’t have to think about it all the time. That’s what makes the pill riskier, having to remember to take it every day.

When do you run the risk of pregnancy?

• If you were too late getting a new coil inserted (how often you have to do that depends on the type of IUS or IUD - it may be 3, 5 or 10 years).
• If you have abdominal pain, but haven’t had your coil checked. Very rarely, an IUS or IUD is rejected by your uterus. In that case, it’s no longer reliable.

STIs

Remember: A coil doesn’t protect against STIs. To prevent STIs you must use condoms.