Hormonal IUD (IUS)
Pregnancy prevention for up to five years, remove at any time
An effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception
The hormonal IUD or IUS (intrauterine system) is a small plastic device that prevents pregnancy for up to five years.
It looks quite similar to a non-hormonal IUD, but the main difference is that it contains hormones and works by steadily releasing small amounts of this hormone (progestin) into your body each day.
This process prevents any fertilised eggs settling down for pregnancy. This is not harmful and does not affect your long-term fertility. It stops working as soon as it is taken out.
At Marie Stopes Ghana, we recommend these types of contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies as they are over 99% effective when used properly.
Frequently asked questions about the hormonal IUD
If you’re starting to use contraception for the first time, or thinking about using a new method, it’s a good idea to have a full consultation
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Call us toll-free for a confidential talk on 0800 20 85 85 OR WhatsApp us on 0244208585
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Hormonal IUD aftercare advice
If you have a hormonal IUD fitted at the time of an abortion or on days 1-5 of a period it will work straight away.
If fitted on any other day, use condoms or abstain from sex for seven days. Please see your GP or attend your family planning/sexual health clinic after 6 weeks to have your IUS checked.
Once a month, after your period, gently insert a finger into your vagina during a bath or shower. The neck of your womb (cervix) feels a bit like the end of your nose, and you should be able to feel the threads of your IUS. If you can’t, please see your GP or attend your family planning/sexual health clinic and use condoms or abstain from sex until the presence of the IUS is confirmed.
Your partner should not be able to feel the threads during sex. If this happens, seek advice as above, as your threads might be too long.
Please contact us at any time if you have any aftercare concerns, or find out more if you’re looking to learn about removing an IUD.
Find your best fit
If you’re unsure what method is best for you, take our online contraception quiz.
Other contraceptive methods
We offer a range of contraceptive and sexual health services to suit you
