What’s the difference?
Intrauterine contraception
IUD. IUS. IUC. What’s the difference?
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IUC stands for intrauterine contraception. It describes any device placed in the uterus to help prevent pregnancy – i.e., an IUD or IUS.
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IUD stands for intrauterine device. It describes a t-shaped device with copper and no hormones, that is placed in the uterus as a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC).
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IUS stands for intrauterine system. It describes a t-shaped plastic device that steadily releases small amounts of hormone in the uterus as a long-acting, reversible contraceptive (LARC).
Implantable contraception
What is the contraceptive implant?
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The contraceptive implant has been used in countries around the world for many years, but was introduced to Canada in 2020.
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It’s a small, flexible plastic rod that gets inserted just below the skin and slowly releases a small amount of progestin hormone.
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A healthcare provider performs a small procedure to place the implant in your arm – it takes just a few minutes! The implant is then effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 3 years.