IUD (intrauterine device)
A woman can get pregnant if a man’s sperm reaches one of her eggs (ova). Contraception tries to stop this by keeping the egg and sperm apart or by stopping eggs being produced. One method of contraception is the intrauterine device, or IUD (sometimes called a coil).
An IUD is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that’s inserted into your womb (uterus) by a specially trained doctor or nurse.
The IUD works by stopping the sperm and egg from surviving in the womb or fallopian tubes. It may also prevent a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb.
The IUD is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method. This means that once it's in place you don't have to think about it each day or each time you have sex. There are several types and sizes of IUD.You can use an IUD whether or not you've had children.
At a glance: facts about the IUD
• There are different types of IUD, some with more copper than others. IUDs with more copper are more than 99% effective. This means that fewer than one in 100 women who use an IUD will get pregnant in one year. IUDs with less copper will be less effective.
• An IUD works as soon as it's put in, and lasts for five to 10 years, depending on the type.
• It can be put in at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you're not pregnant.
• It can be removed at any time by a specially trained doctor or nurse and you'll quickly return to normal levels of fertility.
• Changes to your periods (for example, being heavier, longer or more painful) are common in the first three to six months after an IUD is put in, but they're likely to settle down after this. You might get spotting or bleeding between periods.
• There's a very small chance of infection within 20 days of the IUD being fitted.
• There's a risk that your body may expel the IUD.
• If you get pregnant, there's an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (when the egg implants outside the womb). But because you're unlikely to get pregnant, the overall risk of ectopic pregnancy is lower than in women who don't use contraception.
• Having the IUD put in can be uncomfortable. Ask the doctor or nurse about pain relief.
• An IUD may not be suitable for you if you've had previous pelvic infections.
• The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). By using condoms as well as the IUD you'll help to protect yourself against STIs.
Advantages of the IUD
• most women can use an IUD, including women who have never been pregnant
• once an IUD is fitted, it works straight away and lasts for up to 10 years or until it's removed
• it doesn't interrupt sex
• it can be used if you're breastfeeding
• your normal fertility returns as soon as the IUD is taken out
• it's not affected by other medicines
There's no evidence that having an IUD fitted will increase the risk of cancer of the cervix, endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb) or ovarian cancer. Some women experience changes in mood and libido, but these changes are very small. There is no evidence that the IUD affects weight.
Disadvantages of the IUD
• Your periods may become heavier, longer or more painful, though this may improve after a few months.
• An IUD doesn't protect against STIs, so you may have to use condoms as well. If you get an STI while you have an IUD, it could lead to a pelvic infection if not treated.
• The most common reasons that women stop using an IUD are vaginal bleeding and pain.