At the Layo Centre, we know contraception! Are you looking for advice on how to prevent an unintended pregnancy or looking to spread out pregnancies? You have come to the right place.
Did you know that 50 per cent of pregnancies in Canada are unplanned and half of these are the result of contraceptive failure? It is important to know that not all unintended pregnancies are unwanted. Dr. Famuyide strongly believes in the importance of educating and informing patients on the available options for contraception ensuring that patients have improved access to the most effective form of contraception on the market, long acting reversible contraception (LARC).
Contraception, which is often referred to as birth control, is any medication or device that is used to prevent pregnancy. There are currently two types of LARCs available on the Canadian market, intrauterine contraceptives (Mirena®, Kyleena®) and the subdermal implant, Nexplanon®.
Intrauterine contraceptives (IUCs) are one of the most recognized LARCs. They have various uses including being used for birth control, treatment of heavy periods and painful periods. They are most commonly used for contraception (including emergency contraception) and are an excellent choice for any woman of child-bearing age.
Choosing Your IUC
Copper IUDs
Hormonal IUDs
Types
Various forms available.
Major brands: Liberte™, Mona Lisa™
Major brands: Liberte™, Mona Lisa™
Mirena®, Kyleena®
Cost
~$70 - $100
~$400 (these costs may be covered by third party insurance)
How Does It Work?
Releases copper into the uterus resulting in an inflammatory reaction, which prevents sperm from fertilizing the egg
Releases levonorgestrel, a progesterone like hormone into the uterus, which thickens cervical mucous making it difficult for the sperm and egg to meet. It also thins out the uterine lining, making it a good choice for women with heavy periods
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
99.3% effective
99.7% effective
How Long Does It Last For?
Varies: 2.5 to 10 years
5 years (Mirena: up to 7 years in women > 25 years at the time of insertion)
Bleeding Profile
Expect 20% to 50% more bleeding
Improves bleeding so a good choice for women wanting lighter and less painful periods
Advantages
Does not contain estrogen
May reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Safe in breastfeeding
Reduces menstrual bleeding profile. May reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
May be a treatment option for women with endometriosis or adenomyosis. Safe in breastfeeding
Disadvantages
Expect 20% to 50% more cramping, and bleeding
May experience bleeding the first 3-6 months, which eventually settles. Some women may experience mild acne
Emergency Contraception
Yes, it is 99% effective for emergency contraception when inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse
No
Prior to Your Procedure
- Review the information above and come prepared with your questions to the first appointment
- No unprotected intercourse for a minimum of two weeks prior to your IUC insertion appointment
- If you currently have an IUC in place, abstain from intercourse for one week prior to your replacement appointment
- Come prepared to your appointment to provide a urine sample (we always want to rule out pregnancy prior to your insertion)
- Take ibuprofen 600-800mg one hour prior to the appointment if you are able to tolerate if you desire pain control
Downloads
Intrauterine Contraceptive Discharge Instructions
IUD Education/Consent Form