The Menstrual Cycle

•  
  Overview
   
• Period
  pains
   
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS or PMT)
•  
  Treatment
   
• Contraception methods
   

Contraceptive Methods

The combined contraceptive pill

Taking the combined contraceptive pill may make your monthly period lighter and shorter, as well as more regular and less painful. However sometimes, you might get breakthrough bleeding, especially when you first start on a pill. If you suffer from this, and the problem doesn't go away, speak to your doctor or other healthcare professional, as changing to another pill may help.⁵

Intra-uterine system (IUS)

The IUS is a long-acting reversible contraceptive method often referred to as "the coil". Many women who use IUS often benefit from periods which are shorter and lighter. The IUS is a small device which sits inside your womb, releasing a small amount of progestogen directly into the womb where it's needed. If you decide to use this method, a doctor or nurse will take about five minutes to place an IUS inside your uterus, and it lasts for up to five years. Your doctor or nurse can remove the IUS at any time, and you could quickly be able to become pregnant.⁶