About an IUD:
- Is a small plastic device that is placed in the uterus.
- Very reliable protection against pregnancy
- 2 types; hormonal and copper wired
- During sex not noticeable
- Does not prevent against STD’s
Hormone (Mirena) Spiral
- Very reliable.
- Periods are less or disappear.
- Effective up to 5 years.
Copper Spiral
- Reliable.
- Periods are slightly heavier.
- Effective up to10 years.
How does the IUD prevent pregnancy?
The Mirena IUD:
Continuously release of a very low dose of hormone (progesterone) makes the uterine lining unsuitable for implantation of a fertilized egg and makes the womb opening less permeable to sperm.
The copper IUD:
Makes the uterine lining unsuitable for implantation of a fertilized egg and makes the sperm that enters your uterus infertile.
Safety and pregenancy protection
- Mirena: It is a very reliable method; 1-2 pregnancies of 1000 women every year (contraceptive pill; 3 of 1000). The spiral is immediately effective for 5 years when inserted during menstruation, otherwise use a condom for 1 week
- Copper IUD; It is a relatively reliable method; 10 pregnancies of 1000 women every year. The spiral is immediately effective for 5-10 year after insertion
Who can use an IUD?
- Every woman, young and older
Precautions:
- Be sure that you do not have inflammation of the vagina, uterus or ovaries.
- Be sure that you don’t have Chlamydia so do a test before placing
- Be sure that you are not pregnant.
Who places the coil in our practice
- All GP’s are trained and very experienced
How to prepare yourself
One hour before the procedure take 500 mg naproxen, or 800mg ibuprofen. This can reduce any pain or cramps. Take somebody with you.
How is an IUD inserted?
You lie down with legs spread. The speculum is inserted into the vagina The cervix is grasped with a special tool; this gives a temporary discomfort. With a stick, the depth of the uterus is measured. This can cause discomfort too. Thereafter, the IUD is inserted. This causes the same discomfort again. The threads are cut to size and the tools removed. In most cases this pain quickly drops off.
What are the side effects of IUDs?
The Mirena IUD:
- Periods are usually less severe and less painful, and in most cases the periods disappear completely
- Occasionally you’ve got some blood loss or brownish discharge
- Safe concerning additional risk of thrombosis (blood clot in the vein) or cardiovascular disease
The copper IUD:
- Periods usually last longer than you are used to and can give some more blood loss and cramps.
- Sometimes there is loss between periods.
- there is no additional risk on thrombosis (blood clot in the vein) or cardiovascular disease.
Control after placing IUD
After insertion of the IUD there is a small chance that the IUD does not remain on it’s place. Therefore you have to check after 6 weeks if the spiral is still on it’s place. You can check that by yourself. If you put your finger deep into your vagina, you can feel the cervix with your fingertips. When you make a circle around your cervix, you feel the threads of the IUD. When you are not sure, just make an appointment with your GP, we will check it for you.
After insertion of an IUD?
- you can feel a little bit dizzy. When you are feeling good, you can directly home. It is wise to take it easy that day.
- You can take when necessary ibuprofen in the next few days after insertion of the spiral.
- Contact your doctor in case of abnormal discharge, persistent abdominal pain or pain with fever
- The use of tampons is no problem