What are intrauterine devices?

IUDs are small,  T-shaped devices that sit inside the uterus. There are two different types of IUDs, copper and hormonal, both of which provide long-acting protection against pregnancy. Both copper and hormonal IUDs are listed in the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List, and the efficacy and safety of these products has been demonstrated in women through large clinical trials. IUDs can be inserted at any time in the menstrual cycle by a qualified healthcare provider if the provider is reasonably certain the woman is not pregnant.

Copper IUDs are non-hormonal and contain copper. They work by causing a chemical change that interferes with sperm transport and fertilization of an egg. Depending on the type, or brand, they can last up to 10 years.

Hormonal IUDs contain a synthetic hormone that acts like progesterone called levonorgestrel. This device releases a small amount of hormone into the uterus, thickening the cervical mucus, inhibiting sperm survival, and thinning the lining of the uterus. The hormonal IUD can be used to prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years, depending on local approvals.

IUDs are one of the most effective forms of contraception available today.

What are the benefits of IUDs?

Copper IUDs can be used as an emergency contraceptive method and be inserted up to five days after sexual intercourse. They can also be used by women who cannot use hormonal contraception.

Hormonal IUDs are also approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. The hormone, levonorgestrel, acts by controlling the monthly development of the womb (uterus) lining, making it thinner, so there is less bleeding every month.

Both copper and hormonal IUDs act locally in the uterus. IUDs can be used in women whether or not they have given birth to a child already. IUDs can be removed at any time and there is no delay in return to fertility after removal.

What are the side effects?

The most common side effects of the copper IUD include heavier or longer menstrual bleeding, pelvic infection, pain or dysmenorrhoea, discomfort or menstrual-like cramping.

The most common side effects of the hormonal IUD include vaginal bacterial infection, acne, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, weight increase, mood changes, back pain, yeast infection of the other part of the vagina, headache, pain during sex, breast pain, depression, vaginal discharge, anxiety, and menstrual-like cramping.

For the first 3 to 6 months, the hormonal IUD can cause a woman’s period to become irregular and the number of bleeding days may increase. After a woman has used the hormonal IUD for a while, the number of bleeding and spotting days is likely to lessen.

It is not uncommon for menstrual periods to stop altogether when using the hormonal IUD. This absence of bleeding is not harmful. When the hormonal IUD is removed, a woman’s menstrual periods will likely return to their former pattern.

Misconceptions about IUDs

IUDs do not:

• Increase the risk of miscarriage when a woman becomes pregnant after the IUD is removed
• Cause discomfort or pain for the woman or the man during sex
• Increase the risk of contracting STIs, including HIV
• Cause infertility. There is no delay in fertility when it is removed
• Work by causing abortions

Eloira

What is Eloira?

Eloira is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that contains 52mg levonorgestrel (LNG). Eloira is a highly effective contraceptive method that lasts for 5 years. It can be removed anytime at the woman’s convenience. There is no delay in return to fertility. Eloira is also an effective non-surgical treatment option for heavy, prolonged and painful menstruation.

Who can use Eloira?

Eloira can be used by almost all women of reproductive age, single or married, whether or not they have had children who are looking for an e ective long-term method for preventing or spacing pregnancy. There are no age restrictions on its use. Eloira can be used by women who have just given birth and are breastfeeding when inserted by a specifically trained healthcare provider within 48 hours of delivery or after 4 weeks postpartum. It is also suitable for women who have had a surgical abortion or after a successful medical abortion.

Etherena

What is Etherena?

Etherena is a long-acting, reversible non-hormonal intrauterine device that prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years. The contraceptive effects of Etherena are entirely reversed upon removal.

Who can use Etherena?

Etherena can be used by nearly all sexually active women of all ages who want an effective long-term option for preventing pregnancy, whether or not they have had children. This is a particularly suitable method for women who do not want to or cannot use hormonal contraceptives. Etherena also works as an emergency contraceptive if inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.

Silverline

What is Silverline Cu 380 Ag?

Silverline Cu 380 Ag is a long-acting, reversible non-hormonal intrauterine device that prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years. The device offers a return to fertility almost immediately after removal.

Who can use Silverline Cu 380 Ag?

Silverline Cu 380 Ag can be used by nearly all sexually active women of all ages who want an effective long-term option for preventing pregnancy, whether or not they have had children. This is a particularly suitable method for women who do not want or cannot use hormonal contraceptives. Silverline Cu 380 Ag also works as an emergency contraceptive if inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.

Silverline Cu 380 Ag can be used by women who have just given birth and are breastfeeding when inserted by a specifically trained healthcare provider within 48 hours of delivery or after 4 weeks postpartum. It is also suitable for women who have had a surgical abortion or after a successful medical abortion.

Avibela^TM

What is AVIBELA?

AVIBELA is a long-acting, reversible hormone-releasing system (“hormonal IUD”) that contains 52 mg of the hormone levonorgestrel. AVIBELA is a highly effective contraceptive method placed in the uterus by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years, depending on local regulatory approvals. AVIBELA can be removed anytime at the women’s convenience and there is no delay in return to fertility. AVIBELA can also be used to treat heavy periods for up to 5 years.

Who can and cannot use AVIBELA?

AVIBELA can be used by women of reproductive age, regardless of marital status or whether they have given birth, providing an effective long-term solution for preventing or spacing pregnancies. You may use AVIBELA when you are breastfeeding. See the AVIBELA Patient Information Leaflet for important safety information, including a list of conditions under which people cannot use AVIBELA. The Patient Information Leaflet and more information about AVIBELA can be accessed from  www.avibela.com

AVIBELA is a trademark of Medicines360.