An Intra- Uterine Device (IUD) is perfect for a ‘fit and forget’ method. An IUD is sometimes called a coil. It is a small plastic and copper device that is put into your uterus (womb).Please explore the following sections for more information:
If 100 sexually active women don’t use any contraception 80 to 90 will become pregnant in a year.
Having an IUD fitted is over 99 per cent effective. This means less than two women in 100 will get pregnant over five years.
The main way an IUD works is to stop sperm reaching an egg. It does this by stopping sperm from living in the cervix, uterus or fallopian tube, it might also work by stopping a fertilised egg from implanting in the uterus.
An IUD does not cause an abortion.
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It works as soon as it is put in.
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It works for 5–10 years depending on the type.
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Most women can use an IUD, including women who have never been pregnant and women who are HIV positive.
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It can be used if you are breastfeeding.
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Your fertility returns to normal as soon as the IUD is taken out.
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It is not affected by other medicines.
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It does not interfere with sex or tampon use.
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Periods may be heavier, longer or more painful. This may improve after a few months.
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An internal examination is required to make sure the IUD is suitable, and so it can be fitted.
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The IUD does not protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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The IUD does not increase your risk of infection but if you get an infection when an IUD is in place this could lead to a pelvic infection if it is not treated.
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There is a very small risk of an IUD being pushed out by your uterus (expulsion) or it can move (displacement) It is not common, but there is a risk that an IUD might go through (perforate) your uterus or cervix when it is put in The risk of perforation is low when an IUD is fitted by an experienced doctor or nurse.
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If you do become pregnant while you are using an IUD there is a small increased risk of you having an ectopic pregnancy. The risk of ectopic pregnancy is less in women using an IUD than in women using no contraception at all.
The doctor or nurse will teach you how to feel the threads to make sure the IUD is still in place. It is very unlikely that an IUD will come out, but if you cannot feel the threads, or if you think you can feel the IUD itself, you may not be protected against pregnancy. See your doctor or nurse straight away and use an extra contraceptive method, such as condoms. If you had sex recently you might need to use emergency contraception.
Rarely, a partner may say they can feel the threads during sex. If this is the case, get your doctor or nurse to check the threads.
Taking an IUD out is a simple, quick procedure, use additional contraception, such as condoms, for seven days before the IUD is taken out or exchanged for a new one
Spotting (bleeding between periods) or irregular bleeding may occur in the first six months after you have had the IUD fitted.
Some women may have heavier, longer and more painful periods. This may improve over time and alternative treatments rather than removal can be given.
For more information on the contraceptive IUD
