What’s the difference?

Intrauterine contraception

IUD. IUS. IUC. What’s the difference?

IUC stands for intrauterine contraception. It describes any device placed in the uterus to help prevent pregnancy – i.e., an IUD or IUS.

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).

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?

The contraceptive implant has been used in countries around the world for many years, but was introduced to Canada in 2020.

It’s a small, flexible plastic rod that gets inserted just below the skin and slowly releases a small amount of progestin hormone.

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.