Hormone based Intrauterine Contraceptive System
A hormone-based intrauterine device (IUCD) is a small flexible plastic device that is inserted into the uterine cavity to prevent pregnancy over several years.
How the method works
Hormonal IUCDs release small amounts of progestin hormone each day, to prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus, suppressing ovulation, and thinning the endometrial lining.Effectiveness
- When inserted correctly, hormonal IUCDs provide 99% effectiveness.
- Depending on the type, Hormonal IUCDs can prevent pregnancy for three to as long as five years.
Advantages
- Hormonal IUCDs have high effectiveness and safety and provide immediate protection after insertion.
- They are very long-acting protection for upto 5 years.
- In addition, IUCDs do not require client action for efficacy.
- Hormonal IUCDs can be used immediately after delivery, and there is an immediate return to fertility upon removal of the device.
- Reduces menstrual cramps and heavy monthly bleeding
Limitations
- Insertion and removal of Hormonal IUCDs is done at a health facility by a trained medical professional.
- Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other STIs.
Side Effects experienced by some users
- Some bleeding or spotting after insertion (may continue for 3 to 6 months)
- Cramping and pain for a few days after insertion
- Changes in bleeding patterns including lightened and shortened bleeding or irregular bleeding (especial in the first 3 to 6 months after insertion)
Juu life ni kujipanga!
Popular questions
You will get a small injection on your arm to numb you. This means you won’t feel pain at all during insertion. There will be a little pain or soreness as the wound heals for about a week.
Yes. A woman who has not had children generally can use an IUD, but she should understand that the IUD is more likely to come out because her uterus may be smaller than the uterus of a woman who has given birth.
Yes. If needed, ECPs can be taken again, even in the same cycle. A woman who needs ECPs often may want to consider a longer-acting and more effective family planning method
Yes. A woman who has not had children generally can use an IUD, but she should understand that the IUD is more likely to come out because her uterus may be smaller than the uterus of a woman who has given birth.
No. Most research finds no major changes in bleeding patterns after female sterilization. If a woman was using a hormonal method or IUD before sterilization, her bleeding pattern will return to the way it was before she used these methods
