The Highly Effective Ius

The IUS, intrauterine system, is similar to other intrauterine devices but it is believed to be even more effective. The similarities begin with its T-shape and the fact that this method of contraceptive requires that the woman's health care provider insert it. It is similar in that it is fitted to the uterus by the physician and can stay inside for a designated amount of time before it must be removed and replaced. But the IUS is not only more effective it seems to have less side effects than other similar devices.

The IUS is made from a lightweight plastic. Inside of it there is a place where it stores the hormone Levonorgestrel. This is released into the uterus at a level that is one seventh as strong as that in a low dose birth control pill. By going directly into the uterus instead of having to first travel through the blood stream it winds up causing less side effects then other hormone treatments commonly used for contraceptive purposes. This method is highly effective; more so than the IUD, the Pill or the injection method. It has a failure rate of only .001 percent.

It works by several methods at once. It increases the amount of mucus that sits in the cervix. It also makes it thicker. This thicker heavier mucus prevents the travelling sperm from continuing on its journey. It further thins the lining of the uterus so if the egg does get fertilized it is unable to attach itself to the lining. For a small percentage of women it even stops ovulation. It also has the advantage that it starts working the moment it has been inserted. There is no waiting time necessary.

The advantages of the IUS are quite obvious. It is a highly effective option that can work up to five years before it needs replacing. After a women's body gets used to it, it will make for much lighter less uncomfortable periods. As well, it does not interfere with sexual intercourse. There is no stopping to put anything in or on before lovemaking and unlike the Pill there is nothing to remember to take daily.

It does have a few disadvantages, but mostly they are at first as a woman's body adjusts to it. For the first few months a women's menstrual cycle will be very irregular. There is almost always some breakthrough bleeding during his adjustment time. Due to the constant hormonal input it has been known to cause some breast tenderness. For some women it may cause headaches or acne. It can also cause the development of ovarian cysts, though these are only rarely anything that needs treatments. They are almost always completely harmless.

When a woman is ready to have a child the IUS is removed by the health care provider who uses a small device to grab the strings and pull it gently out. Within a month following its removal a woman's period will be back to normal as will her level l of fertility.

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