Important information (covid-19)

19 October 2020

If your implant or coil is due to expire, or has expired, please note the guidance has changed.

Some forms of long-acting reversible contraception are very likely to be effective for contraception for a year or more longer than is usually recommended. They don’t cause health problems if used for longer, so you may be advised to postpone replacement for the time being. The studies we have suggest that these contraceptive methods are still extremely effective for this additional time, but we need bigger studies to be sure that they are just as effective as they are during the licensed time. If you are concerned, discuss with your service provider and the progestogen-only pill could be prescribed in addition or you could use condoms.

Banded copper IUDs, such as T-Safe®, are licensed for 10 years but don’t cause health problems if used for longer, and are likely to be effective for contraception for up to 12 years.

52mg levonorgestrel intrauterine systems, such as Mirena® and Levosert®, which are licensed for 5 years don’t cause health problems if used for longer, and are likely to be effective for contraception for 6 years. If fitted after the age of 45, these can be used safely for contraception until the age of 55.

Contraceptive implants, such as Nexplanon®, which are licenced for 3 years don’t cause health problems if used for longer, and are likely to be effective for contraception for 4 years.

If you have a copper IUD with a 5-year license, you should not rely on this contraception after this time. The exception is if you had the device fitted after the age of 40, in which case you can rely upon the IUD until the menopause. The low progestogen intrauterine systems, Kyleena® and Jaydess, should not be relied on beyond their normal duration: 5 years for Kyleena® and 3 years for Jaydess.

If you have any queries please make a telephone appointment with the Sexual Health Team or your GP to discuss your options.