IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE REQUESTING A CHANGE OF THEIR INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES

PLEASE READ BEFORE REQUESTING AN APPOINTMENT

The license for how long some Intrauterine Contraceptive devices (IUDs) are effective for has recently changed.

There are 2 types of Intrauterine Contraceptive devices:

Copper IUDs - with these devices most people will continue to have normal periods. They provide effective contraception for 5 or 10 years depending upon the brand and this advice has not changed.

Hormonal IUDs - which usually give people lighter periods and in some cases no periods at all. 

They come in 2 strengths:

Low dose Hormonal IUDs:  Jaydess and Kyleena, which are effective for 3 and 5 years respectively and this advice has not changed.

Full dose Hormonal IUDs:

Mirena and Levosert – These can be used to provide contraception for up to 8 years

Benilexa  - This is licensed to provide contraception for 6 years but its use can be extended to 8 years under guidance from The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.

Thus, if you are using a Mirena, Levosert or Benilexa for contraception that has been in place for 5 or 6 years it can safely be left in place for another 2 years - that is eight years from the original insertion date.

If you are using Mirena, Levosert or Benilexa as part of an HRT regimen it must still be replaced after FIVE years as you were previously told.

Unless complex, please use your primary care provider as your first point of contact, such as your GP in the first instance when your device needs changing 3 months before the expiry date to make an appointment for replacement.

If you are having problems with your device at any time, please make an appointment to discuss it with your GP or with us if fitted at one of our clinics.