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:
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.
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 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.
Update to the guidelines for the contraceptive coil
The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) sets clinical guidance and standards for sexual and reproductive health in the UK. The information and advice provided by iCaSH clinics, your GP and other healthcare professionals will follow these guidelines.
The FSRH have recently reviewed the advice on how long you can use some hormonal and non-hormonal coils.
Hormonal coils:
- If you’re using any 52mg hormonal coil, such as the Mirena coil, and it was fitted when you were under age 45, you can keep it for 6 years.
- If you’re using any 52mg hormonal coil, such as the Mirena coil, and it was fitted when you were 45 years or older, you can use it as contraception until age 55 - when you won’t need contraception anymore.
Non-hormonal coils:
- If you’re using a non-hormonal (copper) coil and it was fitted when you were over 40 years old, you can now use it as contraception for as long as you need before you reach menopause.
What this could mean for you
- If you have a Mirena coil (hormonal coil) and you were under 45 years old when it was fitted, it will now last for 6 years not 5 - which means you can keep it in for another year
- If you were 45 years old or over when your 5-year hormonal coil was fitted, it can now last up until you are 55 - after that, you won’t need any contraception
- If you have a non-hormonal (copper) coil, and it was fitted when you were over 40 years old, this could last you until menopause.
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.