Comparison of copper IUCD and progestogen only contraceptive injection (e.g. Depo Provera) and intrauterine system (IUS) (Mirena coil) and progestogen only contraception implant (e.g. implanon)
Features of the LARC methods to discuss with women
Copper IUCD | IUS | Progestogen-only injection | Implant | |
How it works | By preventing fertilisation and inhibiting implantation | Mainly by preventing implantation; sometimes by preventing fertilisation | Primarily by preventing ovulation | Primarily by preventing ovulation |
Duration of use | 5-10 years for IUDs with 380 mm2 copper, depending on type Until contraception no longer needed if woman 40 years or more at time of insertion | 5 years Until contraception no longer needed if woman 45 years or more at time of insertion and does not have periods with IUS in place | Repeat injections needed every 12 weeks (DPMA) or 8 weeks (NET-EN) | 3 years |
Failure rate | Fewer than 2 in 100 women over 5 years, for IUDs with at least 380 mm2 copper Expulsion occurs in fewer than 1 in 20 women in 5 years | Fewer than 1 in 100 women over 5 years Expulsion occurs in fewer than 1 in 20 women in 5 years | Fewer than 0.4 in 100 over 2 years; pregnancy rates lower for DPMA than NET-EN | Fewer than 1 pregnancy in 1000 implants fitted over 3 years |
Effects on periods | Heavier bleeding and/or dysmenorrhoea likely | Irregular bleeding and spotting common in first 6 months Oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea likely by end of first year | Amenorrhoea common, and is more likely with DMPA than NET-EN, and with longer use; not harmful Persistent bleeding may occur | Bleeding patterns are likely to change during implant use. Bleeding may stop, become more or less frequent, or be prolonged. Dysmenorrhoea may be reduced |
Other risks | Up to 50% of women stop using IUDs within 5 years; most common reasons are unacceptable vaginal bleeding and pain Ectopic pregnancy: overall rates lower than with no contraception But if a woman becomes pregnant with IUD in situ, risk is about 1 in 20 so she should seek advice to exclude it Pelvic inflammatory disease: less than 1% for women at low risk of STI Uterine perforation: less than 1 in 1000 Change in mood or libido: may be a small effect, similar for IUD and IUS No evidence of effect on: Weight gain | Up to 60% of women stop using the IUS within 5 years; most common reasons are unacceptable vaginal bleeding and pain, less common reason is hormonal (non-bleeding) problems Ectopic pregnancy: overall rates lower than with no contraception But if a woman becomes pregnant with IUS in situ, risk is about 1 in 20 so she should seek advice to exclude it Pelvic inflammatory disease: less than 1% for women at low risk of STI Uterine perforation: less than 1 in 1000 Change in mood or libido: may be a small effect, similar for IUD and IUS Acne: risk may be increased, but is an uncommon reason for stopping use No evidence of effect on: Weight gain | Up to 50% of women stop using DMPA by 1 year; the most common reason is an altered bleeding pattern, such as persistent bleeding Weight gain: may be up to 2-3 kg over a year on DMPA Bone mineral density: DMPA use is associated with small loss; largely recovered when DMPA is stopped No evidence that fracture risk is increased No evidence of effect of DMPA on: Depression Acne Headaches | Complications with insertion and removal are uncommon. Refer to the summary of product characteristics for a full list of risks |
Return to fertility | No evidence of delay | No evidence of delay | Can take up to a year But women who do not want to get pregnant should start a different contraceptive as soon as they stop injections | No evidence of delay |
Advice at time of fitting | There may be pain and discomfort for a few hours and light bleeding for a few days Watch for symptoms of uterine perforation Follow-up visit after first menses or 3-6 weeks after insertion Return at any time if problems or to change method Check for threads regularly | There may be pain and discomfort for a few hours and light bleeding for a few days Watch for symptoms of uterine perforation Follow-up visit after first menses or 3-6 weeks after insertion Return at any time if problems or to change method Check for threads regularly | Return for next injection, or if problems | Refer to the summary of product characteristics |
Reference:
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