Intra Uterine Device IUD - Non-Hormonal

Most people can use an IUD, including those who are young and those who have not been pregnant before. Your nurse, midwife or doctor will advise you of the best option for you to choose.

An appointment will typically include:

• A few questions about your medical and family history, to work out what method would suit you best.
• Before the IUD is fitted, you will need to have a vaginal examination. The doctor, midwife or nurse will pass a small instrument into your womb (uterus) to check its size and position.
• They will also check for any signs of infection, sometimes you may also be given antibiotics.
• Some services may be able to fit it at the same appointment, or you may need a second appointment.

Fitting the IUD (shouldn’t take longer than 15 minutes):

• You’ll be asked to lay on the bed.
• Remove the lower half of your clothing (e.g. trousers/skirt and underwear).
• Open your legs and bend your knees so the nurse, midwife or doctor can use a speculum to slightly widen your vagina to help insert the Copper IUD into your uterus.
• The IUD is fitted using a small plastic insertion device. The arms on the IUD are flexible and fold inside the insertion device.
• The nurse, midwife or doctor may discuss painkiller tablets/using local anaesthetic to make the fitting more comfortable.
• The Copper IUD can be used as a form of emergency contraception. It could then be
  left in your uterus (womb) and be used as ongoing contraception.

The Copper IUD can be used as a form of emergency contraception. It could then be left in your uterus (womb) and be used as ongoing contraception.

You may get some period-type pain and possibly some light bleeding for a few days afterwards.

The IUD has two threads which hang through the opening at the entrance of your uterus (cervix). You could check the threads a few times during the first month and then at least once a month.

Once the IUD is fitted, you could go back to the doctor, midwife or nurse after three to six weeks for a check up.

It is very unlikely that the IUD will come out but if you are worried and can feel the IUD itself, or cannot feel the threads you should see a nurse or doctor straight away.

You will then only need to go back when the IUD needs to be replaced (5 to 10 years depending on the type).

You will then only go back to the nurse, midwife or doctor if you notice any of the below symptoms:

• Severe or prolonged stomach pains, especially if you feel unwell, hot and clammy
• Heavy vaginal bleeding with or without clots.

The Copper IUD can be fitted at any time in your cycle if it is certain that you are not pregnant. It may also be possible to fit the Copper IUD as emergency contraception. If you have had unprotected sex in the last five days, contact one of the services to get the IUD fitted.

As soon as the Copper IUD is fitted then you will be protected immediately. You will be asked to take a pregnancy test before the IUD is fitted and another three weeks later if there is a pregnancy risk.

The Copper IUD must be removed by a trained nurse, midwife or doctor, the procedure should be less painful and quicker than having the IUD fitted. Your nurse, midwife or doctor can take out your IUD by putting a speculum into your vagina and gently pulling on the IUD strings.

If you are not going to have another IUD you will need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the seven days before the IUD is taken out if you do not want to become pregnant.

Your fertility should return to normal as soon as the Copper IUD is removed.

While using the IUD you can use tampons and/or sanitary pads.

No neither you or your partner should feel your IUD. An IUD is positioned in the uterus. You will be able to feel the strings in your vagina and your partner may notice the strings during sex. The strings of the IUD usually get softer over time, but if they’re really a problem, talk to your doctor, midwife or nurse about adjusting them or cutting them shorter.