Contraception:
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
An IUD is a T-shaped plastic device that’s put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor.
It releases the hormone progesterone to prevent you from getting pregnant. .
How does it prevent pregnancy?
- The IUD prevents the migration of sperm by thinning the lining of the uterus, preventing fertilization of the egg.
- It thickens the cervical mucus to stop sperm from entering the uterus.
- It thins the lining of the womb, so an egg is less likely to be able to implant itself.
How effective is it?
- If placed correctly, an IUD is more than 99% effective.
- That means fewer than 1 out of 100 people who use an IUD will get pregnant each year.
IUDs are so effective because there’s no chance of making a mistake; you are protected from pregnancy 24/7.
Once your IUD is in place, you can pretty much forget about it until it expires or you are wanting to conceive.
Advantages of the hormonal IUD
- One IUD can provide contraception for up to 8 years.
- It is one of the most effective forms of contraception available.
- You don’t have to think about it every day or each time you have sex.
- It’s safe to use an IUD if you’re breastfeeding.
- It’s not affected by other medicines.
- The IUD isn’t affected if you’re sick (vomit) or have diarrhea.
- Your periods can become lighter, shorter and less painful – they may stop completely after the first year of use.
- It does not interfere with the normal hormones coming from the ovaries because it typically does not prevent ovulation.
- It can be used by people who cannot use combined contraception (such as the combined pill) – for example, those who have migraines.
- If you’re 45 or older when you have the IUD fitted, it can be left in until you reach menopause or no longer need contraception.
- It’s possible to get pregnant as soon as the IUD is removed.
- There’s no evidence that an IUD will increase the risk of cervical cancer, womb (uterus) cancer or ovarian cancer.
Potential downsides of the hormonal IUD
- There is some discomfort during insertion or removal.
- You can have spotting and bleeding in the first few months, most commonly the first month.
- Your periods may become irregular or stop completely, which may not be suitable for some people.
- There’s a small risk of getting an infection after it’s been fitted.
- pain or tenderness in your lower abdomen
- a high temperature
- abnormal or smelly discharge
- If you get an infection when you have an IUD fitted, it could lead to a pelvic infection if it’s not treated.
- Some people experience headaches, acne and breast tenderness after having the IUD fitted, but these usually settle with time.
- Some people experience changes in mood.
- The IUD does not protect you against STIs, so you may need to use condoms.
- Most people who stop using an IUD do so because of vaginal bleeding and pain, although this is less common.
The hormonal IUD isn’t for everyone. It’s not recommended if you:
- breast cancer, or have had it in the past 5 years
- cervical cancer or womb (uterus) cancer
- liver disease
- unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex
- arterial disease or a history of serious heart disease or stroke
- an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI) or pelvic infection
- problems with your womb or cervix
IUD insertion
- Most woman will usually feel some cramping or pain when they’re getting their IUD placed, but luckily it only lasts for a minute or two.
- We recommend that you to take 3 ibuprofen or naproxen an hour prior to getting the IUD to help prevent cramps.
- Some people feel dizzy during or right after the IUD is put in, and there’s a small chance of fainting.
You might want to ask someone to come with you to the appointment so you don’t have to drive or go home alone, and to give yourself some time to relax afterward. You will have a follow-up visit 30 days after placement to confirm position.
Risks of the IUD
Pelvic infections
- There’s a very small chance of getting a pelvic infection in the first few weeks after the IUD has been inserted.
- You may be advised to have an exam for any existing infections before an IUD is fitted.
- Call us if:
- you have pain or tenderness in your lower abdomen.
- you have a high temperature.
- you have abnormal or smelly discharge.
Damage to the womb
- In rare cases, an IUD can make a hole in the womb when it’s put in. This may be painful, although there may not be any symptoms. At County Obstetrics and Gynecology, our specialists are extremely experienced, so this risk is extremely low.
Ectopic pregnancy
- If the IUD fails and you become pregnant, there’s also an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
IUD Rejection