Intrauterine Devices
What are intrauterine devices?
IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that sit inside the uterus. There are two different types of IUDs, copper and hormonal, both of which provide long-acting protection against pregnancy. Both copper and hormonal IUDs are listed in the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List, and the efficacy and safety of these products has been demonstrated in women through large clinical trials. IUDs can be inserted at any time in the menstrual cycle by a qualified healthcare provider if the provider is reasonably certain the woman is not pregnant.
Copper IUDs are non-hormonal and contain copper. They work by causing a chemical change that damages sperm and egg before they can meet. Depending on the type, or brand, they can last for up to 10 years.
Hormonal IUDs contain a synthetic progestin called levonorgesterel. This device releases a small number of hormones into the uterus, thickening the cervical mucus, inhibiting sperm survival, and thinning the lining of the uterus. The hormonal IUD can be used to prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years, depending on local approvals.
Both types of IUDs are about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
What are the benefits of IUDs?
Copper IUDs can be used as an emergency contraceptive method and be inserted up to five days after sexual intercourse. They can also be used by women who cannot use hormonal contraception.
Hormonal IUDs are also approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. The hormone, levonorgestrel, acts by controlling the monthly development of the womb (uterus) lining, making it thinner, so that there is less bleeding every month.
Both copper and hormonal IUDs act locally in the uterus.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects of the copper IUD include heavier or longer menstrual bleeding, pelvic infection, pain or dysmenorrhoea, discomfort or menstrual-like cramping.
The most common side effects of the hormonal IUD include vaginal bacterial infection, acne, nausea or vomiting, and abdominal pain, pelvic pain, weight increase, mood changes, back pain, yeast infection of the other part of the vagina, headache, pain during sex, breast pain, depression, vaginal discharge, anxiety, and menstrual-like cramping.
For the first 3 to 6 months, the hormonal IUD can cause a woman’s period to become irregular and the number of bleeding days may increase. After a woman has used the hormonal IUD for a while, the number of bleeding and spotting days is likely to lessen. For some women, menstrual periods will stop altogether.
It is not uncommon for women to have no bleeding when using the hormonal IUD. This absence of bleeding is not harmful. When the hormonal IUD is removed, a woman’s menstrual periods will likely return to their former pattern
Misconceptions about IUDs
IUDs do not:
- Increase the risk of miscarriage when a woman becomes pregnant after the IUD is removed
- Cause birth defects
- Cause cancer
- Cause discomfort or pain for the woman or the man during sex
- Increase the risk of contracting STIs, including HIV
- Get lost in the body. It has strings attached so it can be easily removed when requested
- Cause infertility. There is no delay to fertility when it is removed
- Cause abortion
Our IUD Products
newChoice Copper T380A
What are newChoice Copper T380A?
The newChoice Copper T380 A is a non-hormonal intrauterine device that is effective for up to 10 years. With its improved T-shaped frame, durable HDPE strings, and film coating, this device is a highly effective and long-lasting reversible contraceptive method. It is suitable for women who prefer a non-hormonal option.
Who can use newChoice Copper T380A?
newChoice Copper T380 A can be used by almost all women of reproductive age, single or married, whether they have had children who are looking for an ective long-term method for preventing or spacing pregnancy.
- Women who have just given birth and are breastfeeding when inserted by a specifically trained healthcare provider within 48 hours of delivery or after 4 weeks postpartum
- Women who have had a surgical abortion or after a successful medical abortion.
Eloira
What is Eloira?
Eloira is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that contains 52mg levonorgestrel (LNG). Eloira is a highly effective contraceptive method that lasts for 5 years. It can be removed anytime at the woman’s convenience. There is no delay in return to fertility. Eloira is also an effective non-surgical treatment option for heavy, prolonged and painful menstruation.
Who can use Eloira?
Eloira can be used by almost all women of reproductive age, single or married, whether or not they have had children who are looking for an e ective long-term method for preventing or spacing pregnancy. There are no age restrictions on its use. Eloira can be used by women who have just given birth and are breastfeeding when inserted by a specifically trained healthcare provider within 48 hours of delivery or after 4 weeks postpartum. It is also suitable for women who have had a surgical abortion or after a successful medical abortion.
Etherena
What is Etherena?
Etherena is a long-acting, reversible non-hormonal intrauterine device that prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years. The contraceptive effects of Etherena are entirely reversed upon removal.
Who can use Etherena?
Etherena can be used by nearly all sexually active women of all ages who want an effective long-term option for preventing pregnancy, whether or not they have had children. This is a particularly suitable method for women who do not want to or cannot use hormonal contraceptives. Etherena also works as an emergency contraceptive if inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
Silverline
What is Silverline Cu 380 Ag?
Silverline Cu 380 Ag is a long-acting, reversible non-hormonal intrauterine device that prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years. The device offers a return to fertility almost immediately after removal.
Who can use Silverline Cu 380 Ag?
Silverline Cu 380 Ag can be used by nearly all sexually active women of all ages who want an effective long-term option for preventing pregnancy, whether or not they have had children. This is a particularly suitable method for women who do not want or cannot use hormonal contraceptives. Silverline Cu 380 Ag also works as an emergency contraceptive if inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
Silverline Cu 380 Ag can be used by women who have just given birth and are breastfeeding when inserted by a specifically trained healthcare provider within 48 hours of delivery or after 4 weeks postpartum. It is also suitable for women who have had a surgical abortion or after a successful medical abortion.
AvibelaTM
What is AVIBELA?
AVIBELA is a long-acting, reversible hormone-releasing system (“hormonal IUD”) that contains 52 mg of the hormone levonorgestrel. AVIBELA is a highly effective contraceptive method placed in the uterus by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years, depending on local regulatory approvals. AVIBELA can be removed anytime at the women’s convenience and there is no delay in return to fertility. AVIBELA can also be used to treat heavy periods for up to 5 years.
Who can and cannot use AVIBELA?
AVIBELA can be used by women of reproductive age, regardless of marital status or whether they have given birth, providing an effective long-term solution for preventing or spacing pregnancies. You may use AVIBELA when you are breastfeeding. Visit the AVIBELA website for a list of conditions under which people cannot use AVIBELA.