Hormone Spiral

The hormone coil is made of plastic and is filled with the hormone progestin inside. It is inserted into the uterus during a gynaecological examination by the gynaecologist during menstrual bleeding (intramenstrual). It can remain there for a maximum of five years and develop its effect.

The procedure is usually painless. Sometimes, however, the uterus or cervix may be injured. Slight pain may also occur a few hours after the procedure.

It is important to check that the IUS is correctly positioned after the procedure and at regular intervals. The contraceptive effect is achieved in two different ways. Firstly, the IUS prevents the sperm from rising towards the egg cell as a mechanical disruptive factor.

The path of the sperm is thus blocked, so to speak. On the other hand, the IUS continuously releases gestagens, so that at the same time the hormone also prevents pregnancy. As with the contraceptive pill, ovulation is prevented and a plug of mucus forms in the cervix, making it difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus.

Since the IUS does not contain estrogens, it is especially popular among women who cannot tolerate estrogens and women who do not want to think about taking the pill every day. The IUS is not recommended for young women who want to have children later. It is also not used in cases of malformations of the uterus (malformations of the uterus).

The advantage is certainly that a very safe contraception is guaranteed with a Pearl Index of approx. 0.15. In addition, in the best case, the woman does not have to worry about contraception for five years.

Menstrual bleeding also becomes less, shorter and less painful for some women. Disadvantages result from the effect of the progestin: can occur as a result of the hormone. Since the hormone coil is made of plastic and is therefore a foreign body, it can be rejected by the body.

This happens especially in the first months after use. In rare cases, infections can also occur after an operation. You can find more detailed information under IUD Our article about inserting the IUD could also be of interest to you.

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