WILL IT HURT? GETTING AND USING THE HORMONAL COIL

Concerns about pain are natural, but there’s no need to worry

The hormonal coil (IUS) is one of the most reliable long-acting contraceptives. Once fitted, it can remain in place for up to 3 to 5 years. That means no more having to remember to take a daily pill, change a patch every week, or make a monthly appointment for a contraceptive injection. Despite its ease of use, many women have concerns about getting an IUS fitted, and what they can expect afterwards.

COMMON CONCERNS

While you should consult your doctor or nurse to help you decide whether to get an IUS, we’ve tackled some of the most common questions here.

HOW DOES IT FEEL?

Most women tolerate IUS placement very well. Your doctor or nurse may advise you to take simple painkillers, and in some cases they will numb the neck of the womb with an anesthetic injection to minimize discomfort.

WILL I EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS?

After insertion, some women may experience some discomfort and dizziness. These are usually comparable to menstrual cramps, and will ease if you take normal painkillers. If pain persists, consult your doctor. The IUS may also lead to a reduction in bleeding and period pain over time, and may stop your periods entirely.

CAN IT FALL OUT?

Your doctor or nurse will follow the correct procedure to ensure your hormonal coil is inserted properly and stays in place for the 3 to 5 years you use it for. It is possible for muscle contractions to push the IUS out of place, so if you experience any persisting discomfort after it is inserted, consult your doctor or nurse immediately.

ALTERNATIVE CONTRACEPTION METHODS

If your usual contraception recently let you down, if a late period has caused you concern, or if your current method doesn’t fit your lifestyle, consider these contraception methods:

THE IUS

A small, flexible T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of hormones. It is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IUD

A small, T-shaped plastic frame with a copper wire that is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones. It is placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor.

View Method

THE INJECTION

A shot containing progestin that is effective for up to three months. It is administered by a doctor.

View Method
COMPARE METHODS

NEED ADVICE?

Get ready to speak to a doctor or nurse. Use a 3-step guide to prepare for your next doctor’s appointment.

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Is It Okay?

CONSIDER THIS

It’s a common fear women have when contemplating an IUS. However, your doctor or nurse will give you more information on placement pain and measures to minimize it.  

WATCH VIDEO

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE
IUS

The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 6 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

Image of an IUS

THE
IUD

The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

Image of an IUD

THE
IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.

Image of the Implant

THE
PILL

A small tablet containing one hormone, or a combined pill containing two hormones, that is self-administered with a prescription and needs to be swallowed at the same time each day.

Image of birth control pills

THE
INJECTION

A shot containing hormone(s) that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 1 or 3 months.

Image of an Injection

THE
PATCH

A small, thin, skin-colored plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

Image of the Patch

THE
DI­APHRAGM

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered with a prescription up to 24 hours before sex.

Image of a Diaphragm

THE
RING

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

Image of a Ring

THE
FEMALE CONDOM

An internal condom that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of Female Condom

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina, it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of STIs. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of a Male Condom

THE
SPONGE

A small, round piece of foam with a nylon loop that is placed in the vagina right before intercourse. It is bought over the counter and is self-administered.

Image of a Sponge

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

Natural Planning

SPERMICIDE

Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

Image of spermicide

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘the pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Image of a timer for the withdrawal method

MALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Icon representing male sterilization

FEMALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy.

Icon representing female sterilization
COMPARE METHODS

CAN YOU RELATE?

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Last updated on 21/02/2020

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