What are the advantages and disadvantages of hormone intrauterine systems (IUS)?
Hormone intrauterine devices (IUDs), also known as intrauterine systems (IUS), include the Mirena and Jaydess. Like any other contraceptive, they have their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- It works for 5 years (Mirena) or 3 years (Jaydess).
- It's one of the most effective forms of contraception available in Malta.
- It does not interrupt sex.
- Your periods can become lighter, shorter and less painful – they may stop completely after the first year of use.
- It's safe to use an IUS if you're breastfeeding.
- It's not affected by other medicines.
- It may be a good option if you cannot take the hormone oestrogen, which is used in the combined contraceptive pill.
- It's possible to get pregnant as soon as the IUS is removed.
- There's no evidence that an IUS will increase the risk of cervical cancer, womb (uterus) cancer or ovarian cancer.
Disadvantages:
- Your periods may become irregular or stop completely, which may not be suitable for some people.
- Some people experience headaches, acne and breast tenderness after having the IUS fitted due to the hormone contained in it, but these usually settle with time.
- Some people experience changes in mood.
- An uncommon side effect of the IUS is that some people can develop small fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries – these usually disappear without treatment.
- An IUS does not protect you against STIs, so you may need to use condoms as well.
- If you get an infection when you have an IUS fitted, it could lead to a pelvic infection if it's not treated.