Intrauterine Device (IUD)

What is an Intrauterine Device?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a long acting reversible method of contraception that can be used by all women regardless of age and parity.

It is usually composed of a small intrauterine plastic part produced in various shapes and two strings which stay outside the cervix and are used to pull out the IUD when it needs to be removed.

It may have either copper or progestin hormone on the plastic part for contraception.

What are the types of intrauterine devices?

There are mainly two types of IUD’S:

• Cupper IUD-They are produced in various shapes. They produce inflammation in the uterus to prevent pregnancy
• Hormonal IUD-They contain progestin hormone which is secreted into the endometrium to prevent pregnancy

Is it necessary to use additional contraception with an IUD?

IUD is one of the most effective contraceptive methods that can be used by female patients.Chance of getting pregnant with an IUD in place is less than one per thousand.That is why additional contraceptive methods are not necessary.However you still need to use condoms to be protected against sexually transmitted diseases.

IUD as a method of emergency contraception

Intrauterine Device (IUD) is the most effective method of emergency contraception. Its efficiency is much higher than the morning-after pills. After unprotected intercourse or condom tears, an IUD should be inserted as soon as possible as a method of emergency contraception.

When a cupper Intrauterine Device (IUD) is inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse, its efficacy is more than 99 %. In addition patients can choose to keep on using the Intrauterine Device (IUD) as a contraceptive method in future.

How is an Intrauterine Device (IUD) inserted?

An IUD can simply be inserted through the cervix during a gynecological examination. But rarely local anesthesia or sedation may be necessary for patients with a low threshold for pain.

Who can use Intrauterine Device (IUD) for contraception?

Every woman can use an IUD for contraception regardless of their age and parity. Adolescent and nulliparous patients (women who have not delivered before) can use an IUD. Only during an acute pelvic infection, it is not recommended to insert an IUD.

How long can an Intrauterine Device (IUD) be used?

A cupper Intrauterine Device (IUD) can be used for 5-10 years depending on its type. Hormonal IUD can be used for 5 years.

How long does it take to insert an IUD?

Insertion of an Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a simple procedure that takes less than one minute under normal circumstances. Rarely in complicated cases or for cases that necessitate anesthesia, the procedure may take longer.

When is it possible to have intercourse after IUD insertion?

It is possible to have intercourse right away after insertion of an IUD. Its protective effect starts right away after insertion.

Can you get pregnant after IUD removal?

You can get pregnant right away after IUD removal. IUD is a reversible method of contraception and there is no time period necessary to wait after IUD removal to get pregnant.

What are the side effects of IUD?

The side effects of cupper Intrauterine Device (IUD) are increased menstrual bleeding and pain.

The side effects of hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD) can be summarised as breast tenderness, headache, mood changes, edema and intermenstrual bleeding or spotting.

How do you know if an IUD is dislocated?

There may be no signs or symptoms when and IUD is dislocated or expelled from the uterus. Therefore it is recommended to have regular controls by ultrasonography. Rarely sudden heavy bleeding or pain may accompany IUD dislocation. It is also rarely poosible to see the expelled IUD on panty liners or underwear.

Why is an IUD dislocated?

An IUD may be rejected by the uterus because it is a foreign body.In that case it may be expelled from the uterus by contractions.

Is it possible to get pregnant when an Intrauterine Device (IUD) is dislocated?

The most common reason that pregnancy happens with an Intrauterine Device (IUD) is because it is dislocated or expelled from the uterus. This is a very rare condition, however it must be regularly controlled just to make sure that it is correctly placed.

Is it painful to have an Intrauterine Device (IUD) inserted?

For most patients, Intrauterine Device (IUD) insertion gives slight crampy pain similar to menstrual cramps. However it may be more painful very rarely in patients with a low threshold for pain or in nulliparous or perimenopausal patients with a narrow cervix that needs to be dilated.

When can you have an IUD inserted?

You can have an IUD inserted preferably during your menstruation. However if you are not menstruating you can have an IUD inserted anytime as long as you are sure that you are not pregnant.

Can you feel the Intrauterine Device (IUD)?

It is not possible to feel the presence of an Intrauterine Device (IUD) either during daily life or during sexual activity.

Can a partner feel the IUD?

Usually the partners cannot feel the Intrauterine Device (IUD) during sexual intercourse. Very rarely the IUD’s strings may be felt by partners and it is possible to cut the strings shorter in this case by your gynecologist.

What is the cost of having an Intrauterine Device (IUD) inserted?

The cost of having an Intrauterine Device (IUD) inserted may change from clinic to clinic. It also depends on the IUD type and whether sedation is used.