The IUS for heavy periods Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.
Answers to questions about the IUS for heavy periods
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- I've just had a baby. Can I have an intra-uterine system (IUS) fitted?
- What are heavy periods and how will I know if I have them?
- Should I have my IUS removed if I become pregnant?
I've just had a baby. Can I have an intra-uterine system (IUS) fitted?
Yes, an IUS may be suitable for you.
Explanation
Your family and medical history will help determine whether or not an IUS is suitable for you.
For example, the IUS may not be suitable for you if you have a personal history of fibroids, liver disease, breast or endometrial cancer, or bleeding from your vagina with no known cause (for example between periods or after sex).
An IUS can be fitted from four weeks after you give birth (by vaginal or caesarean delivery).
An IUS won't affect your breast milk supply or your ability to breast feed, and can be used safely while you are breastfeeding.
If you aren't sure about whether an IUS would be suitable for you, contact your GP for advice.
Further information
- Women's Health Concern
0845 123 2319
www.womens-health-concern.org - fpa (formerly the Family Planning Association)
0845 310 1334
www.fpa.org.uk
Sources
- Heavy menstrual bleeding. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), January 2007. www.nice.org.uk
- Faculty of family planning and reproductive health care (FFPRHC). FFPRHC Guidance. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in contraception and reproductive health. J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care 2004; 30:99-109. www.ingentaconnect.com
What are heavy periods and how will I know if I have them?
The amount of blood lost during a period will be different for every woman. Your blood loss is usually classed as heavy blood loss if it's over 80ml during your period.
Explanation
During your period, bleeding usually lasts about five days with the bleeding heaviest during the first two days. In some women, bleeding can last up to eight days.
Even though your blood flow may appear heavy, the amount of blood you lose during your period is usually only enough to fill about eight teaspoons (about 40ml). Heavy blood loss is medically classed as over 80ml, but in practice that's hard to measure, and sometimes smaller amounts can make you feel unwell. Sometimes heavy periods are described as heavy, regular blood loss which you get over several consecutive periods.
The following signs indicate that your periods are unusually heavy.
- You need to use double sanitary protection (tampons plus towels).
- You pass large blood clots.
- You bleed through to your clothes or bedding (sometimes called 'flooding').
- Your periods affect your normal activities like going out, working, shopping or sex.
Heavy periods don't only disrupt your lifestyle but also put you at risk of developing anaemia. Anaemia can make you feel tired, breathless and faint. If you think your periods are unusually heavy contact your GP for advice.
Further information
- Women's Health Concern
0845 123 2319
www.womens-health-concern.org - fpa (formerly the Family Planning Association)
0845 310 1334
www.fpa.org.uk
Sources
- Pakarinen P, Luukkainen T. Treatment of menorrhagia with an LNG-IUS. Contraception 2007; 75:S118-S122. www.arhp.org
- Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T, 2007: 522-533, 724-725
Should I have my IUS removed if I become pregnant?
It's very unlikely that you will become pregnant after you have had an IUS fitted. However, if you do become pregnant, your GP will advise you to have your IUS removed.
Explanation
The IUS is an effective contraceptive. Over five years, fewer than one in 100 women who use the IUS will become pregnant.
If you get pregnant with an IUS in place, there's a very small risk you may have an ectopic pregnancy. This means the embryo is attached outside the womb, usually in a fallopian tube. This will happen in about 1 in 20 women.
If you have an ectopic pregnancy, it's likely that you will need urgent medical attention to end the pregnancy. If your pregnancy isn't ectopic, your GP will advise that you have your IUS removed immediately to reduce your risk of having a miscarriage.
Women who have previously had an ectopic pregnancy can still have an IUS fitted.
Further information
- fpa (formerly the Family Planning Association)
0845 310 1334
www.fpa.org.uk
Sources
- Heavy menstrual bleeding. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), January 2007. www.nice.org.uk
- Long-acting reversible contraception. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), October 2005. www.nice.org.uk
- Faculty of family planning and reproductive health care (FFPRHC). FFPRHC Guidance. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in contraception and reproductive health. J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care 2004; 30:99-109. www.ingentaconnect.com
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: June 2009
The IUS for heavy periods factsheet
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