• Small, plastic, often T-shaped device, surrounded by a copper wire or containing hormones, inserted into the uterus.
• Changes physical and chemical environment of uterine cavity, thereby preventing sperms to fertilise an egg or possibly inhibiting implantation of a fertilised egg.

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  Inserted by a medical professional.
• Depending on the type, it is worn from one to five or even seven years before requiring replacement.
• Copper IUDs consist of polyethylene plastic with a copper wire wound around the stem.
• Hormone containing IUDs are plastic devices with a hollow stem filled with a progestogen hormone.
• Each IUD has thin threads attached to the lower end of the stem which are used for removal and also for checking that the device is still in position.
• Require regular check-ups to ensure they are in place.
• Some women experience more painful periods after IUD insertion; this usually settles once the body adjusts.
• Effectiveness: IUDs are a highly effective method of contraception with a Pearl Index of 0.3-0.8. This means that only eight out of every 1000 women wearing an IUD will become pregnant in the first year of use. Fewer pregnancies occur with continued use.
• Advantages:
  • It is immediately effective.
  • It is especially suitable for patients older than 35 years and for those who have completed their families.
  • It does not interfere with sexual intercourse.
  • It is long acting.
  • There are no systemic side-effects.
  • Can be used as emergency contraception (apart from the progestogen-containing IUD).
• Disadvantages
  • Can cause heavy, longer periods or abnormal bleeding.
  • Complications occur most often during and immediately after insertion. Serious complications (e.g. perforation of the uterus) are rare.
  • Does not protect against contamination with micro-organisms causing STI and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
  • Other possibility: Does not as effectively prevent the development of an ectopic pregnancy (fertilised egg implanting in the fallopian tube).
  • It can be expelled.
    

When to consult a doctor
If, while using an IUD, any of the following are experienced:

• Menstrual irregularities - missed period or spotting
• Severe abdominal cramps with or without shoulder pain
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Vaginal discharge

The insertion of an IUD is not suitable for women with:

• Recurrent vaginal infections
• Heavy, irregular bleeding
• A history of pelvic infection or ectopic pregnancy
• More than one sexual partner (therefore at higher risk for acquiring STIs)
• Not having completed their family and still intend to have children
• Suspicion of being pregnant

Read more:
Contraception – now and then
Any questions? Ask our sexologist

 

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