VivaSync

As women, we have a love-hate relationship with contraception. While we love that it gives us the freedom to make our own choices, the fact that most contraception has some sort of side effect can take its toll on our bodies. (That contraception is largely a woman’s issue is a conversation for another time.)

If you’re not a fan of condoms or hormonal contraception such as the pill or the hormone-based IUS coil - the latter two which have been linked to weight gain, mood changes and decreased libido - then the copper coil (IUD) may seem like your only option. But even this comes with its own side effects like pelvic infections, thrush and, in rare cases, potential damage to your womb. It’s not easy being a woman, huh?

However, there’s been talks of a new form of non-hormonal contraception joining the ranks. Here's what you need to know.

What is the IUB?

The Ballerine IUB (intrauterine ball) works similarly to the IUD but instead of the classic T-shape, it’s spherical and about half the size of a regular IUD.

How does the IUB work?

It uses the same method as the IUD where it prevents pregnancy by releasing copper ions into the uterus.

“When the T-shaped coils were introduced, the uterus was looked at more as a flat triangle. If you insert a T-shape into a flat triangle, it fits perfectly. But the uterus is actually a three-dimensional cavity and it’s constantly contracting and moving, which can cause the IUD to turn and shift inside the uterus,” Daniela Schardinger from OCON Medical, the company who developed the IUB, tells Refinery29 .

"The Ballerine was invented to be totally spherical so no matter which way it turns, it will always relate to the uterus in the same way," Daniela adds. "It has a built-in safety mechanism to minimise the risk of perforating the uterine wall, and it’s also flexible. This means it adjusts to your contractions and is just a better fit to what we know of the uterus today."

The IUB is said to be 99% effective and can last between five and 10 years.

The device was tested for four years before it was brought to market, with clinical trials showing the device reduced period pain and bleeding for some women.

Is the IUB on the NHS?

The IUB was originally developed by OCON Medical in Austria in 2014 and has been available across Europe ever since. It first landed in the UK in 2017 and has been available privately since March 2017 - it was meant to be rolled out on the NHS last year but this has been pushed back due to Covid.

While the NHS is unsure when it will be rolled out, OCON Medical told Refinery29 that it could be by the end of 2021.

It said: "We have a partner in the UK, who is in discussions with the NHS. Unfortunately, COVID has pushed us back, so we’ve had to put those plans on hold a little bit," Daniela says. "It’s very hard to say exactly how long it will take. It might be next month, it might be in the autumn – but we are in active discussions and we hope that we can launch it this year."

Our fingers are firmly crossed.

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