There are four long acting reversible contraception methods - intrauterine device/system, contraceptive injection or implant. Once any of these are in place, you don't have to think about contraception each day or time you have sex.

• Contraceptive implant - a small flexible rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It slowly releases progestogen into the body, stopping the release of an egg from the ovary.
• Contraceptive injection - also releases progestogen into the body and lasts between 8 and 13 weeks depending on which one you have.
• Intrauterine device (IUD)/Intrauterine system (IUS) - a small T-shaped copper or plastic device that is inserted into the womb. It works by stopping the egg and sperm from surviving in the womb or the fallopian tubes.

To learn more about long acting reversible contraception, please read choose one of the following leaflets from the Family Planning Association:

• Contraceptive Implant [opens in new window]
• Contraceptive Injection [opens in new window]
• Intrauterine Device (IUD) [opens in new window]
• Intrauterine System (IUS) [opens in new window]

This short film has more on IUD/IUS

Please click here for more information about requesting intrauterine contraception, including what to expect during the preparatory and fitting appointments and results of a recent survey undertaken to evaluate the experience of pain associated with having an IUD fitted.

This short film has more on the contraceptive implant

This short film has more on the sayana press injection

Coil and implant fitting   

If you would like a coil or implant fitted, replaced or removed for contraceptive reasons, you will need to have a pre-assessment consultation before the actual procedure. The pre-assessment consultation is usually by telephone or video call in advance of you attending the clinic for the removal and/or fitting.

If you require an emergency coil following unprotected sex, please contact your local iCaSH service by phoning 0300 300 3030 to be assessed as soon as possible.

Extension to the licence of the Mirena (hormonal) contraceptive coil to 8 years for contraceptive use

What is new?

• If you are using the Mirena 52mg hormonal coil for contraception, you can safely rely on it for contraception for 8 years (not 6 years) and it will not require replacement earlier.

• Click here to read a supporting statement from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) Clinical Effectiveness Unit in relation to the extension of the duration of use of the Mirena coil to 8 years.

What has not changed?

• If you are using any other 52mg hormonal coil, such as the Levosert or Benilexa coil, and it was fitted when you were under age 45 years, you will have effective contraception for 6 years. 
• If you are using any 52mg hormonal coil, such as the Mirena, Levosert or Benilexa coil, and it was fitted when you were 45 years or older, you can use it as contraception until age 55 years, when you won’t need contraception anymore.
• If you are using your 52mg hormonal coil as part of hormone replacement therapy, it must be changed after 5 years regardless of how old you were when it was fitted.
• If you are using your 52 mg coil only to help your periods you can use it for as long as it works for you.

Click here to read the guidelines from the FRSH in full.

Deep implant removal

Occasionally an implant may be assessed as difficult to remove and a deep implant removal may be required. We will need a referral from a Health Care Professional (for example your GP) before an appointment can be booked.