Intrauterine device (IUD)

Pregnancy prevention for up to ten years, remove at any time

Home Services Contraception and family planning Intrauterine device (IUD)

An effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception

The IUD is a small, T-shaped device that is placed in a woman’s womb and provides contraceptive protection for up to ten years.

The IUD is a long-acting, reversible method of contraception (LARC). Long-acting methods of contraception all have the advantage that, once in place, you don’t need to think about them until they need replacing and none of them interrupt sex.

An IUD can only be made available to those who have at least one child. If you do not have any children, please consider one of the many other types of contraception we offer.

IUDs are also straightforward for a trained provider to insert and remove, which can generally be done at any time

If you’re starting to use contraception for the first time, or thinking about using a new method, it’s a good idea to have a full consultation.

Find our locations that offer contraception and family planning services

How an IUD works

The IUD works by stopping a man’s sperm meeting an egg or it may also stop an egg implanting in the uterus.

Inserting an IUD is a simple procedure that takes a few minutes. A trained person inserts the IUD. The IUD sits in your womb and does not move from there. There are threads attached to the IUD which hang down into the vagina that assist with removal or if you or your provider want to check on the IUD. Do not pull on the threads as this is how the device is removed.

The IUD starts working as soon as it is put in and stops working as soon as it is taken out, at which point your normal fertility returns immediately.

Advantages of an IUD

There are plenty of advantages for using an IUD as an effective way to prevent pregnancy.

Both types of IUD (hormonal and non-hormonal) offer the following advantages:

Easily inserted by a trained Marie Stopes provider
Effective immediately
Easy to use – nothing to remember after insertion
Can be easily removed
Works as soon as it’s put in
Fertility returns immediately after it’s removed
It does not interrupt sex.

These benefits come from the correct use of the IUD when inserted by a trained provider. If using an IUD you should also make sure to follow any product manufacturer instructions.

Frequently asked questions about IUDs

How good is the IUD at preventing a pregnancy?

The IUD works very well at preventing a pregnancy. If 100 women used the IUD for a year and carried on with their normal sex life, then only 1 of those women would fall pregnant during that period.

What are the advantages of the IUD?

– The IUD is easy to use. Once in place, you do not need to think about it or do anything until it needs replacing. Depending on the IUD it can last up to 10 years.

– You can get the IUD removed whenever you want. Your previous fertility will return immediately after the IUD is removed.

– It can be placed in your womb directly after childbirth or at the time of an abortion, and works as soon as you put it in.

– An IUD requires a simple, small procedure to fit and remove it.

– It does not interrupt sex. Neither you nor your partner should be aware of the IUD during sex. If you experience any discomfort you should have the positioning of your IUD checked by your provider.

What are the disadvantages of the IUD?

– The most common side effect of IUD is heavier, more uncomfortable or prolonged periods. Some women might also experience light spotting between periods, especially in the first few months after insertion, just before menstruation is due. In most cases these side effects usually settle down after the first two to three months.

– The IUD may cause a slight increase in vaginal discharge but it does not cause a rise in infections as long as it is put in properly by a trained person. You should not have an IUD put in if you think you already have an infection in your womb – your health provider will check for this before inserting an IUD. The IUD does not get rusty.

– Some women may want to return to their provider six weeks after the IUD is fitted to check it is in the right place. In rare cases a woman’s body might reject the IUD and push it out.

– Unlike condoms, it does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How do I know the IUD is still in place?

It is rare for the IUD to fall out or move. Most women can self-examine and feel the small, very thin thread attached to the end of the IUD which comes out of the cervix and into the vagina. When you have the IUD inserted make sure your carer shows you how to find the thread so you feel confident to find it again.

Is the IUD available to everyone?

Please be aware that the IUD is only available to women who already have at least one child. If you do not already have at least one child, please consider one of the many other forms of contraception that we offer.

What happens during an IUD insertion?

What happens during an IUD removal?

Getting an IUD removed is quick and simple. Our provider will gently pull on your IUD string, and the arms of the IUD will fold and will slip out. You may experience cramps for a short while as it comes out. If there are difficulties removing your IUD then the provider may use additional instruments to help remove it. They will explain what is happening so that you understand and are put at ease.

Once the IUD is removed you are no longer protected against pregnancy and will need to use another method of contraception if you do not wish to become pregnant.

IUD aftercare advice

If you have an IUD fitted, it will work straight away. When your IUD is fitted, you should plan a follow-up appointment after 6 weeks to have your IUD checked.

Once a month, after your period, gently insert a finger into your vagina during a bath or shower. The neck of your womb (cervix) feels a bit like the end of your nose, and you should be able to feel the threads of your IUD. If you can’t, please contact us or your doctor, and use condoms or abstain from sex until the presence of the IUD is confirmed.

Your partner should not be able to feel the threads during sex. If this happens, seek advice as above, as your threads might be too long.