Intrauterine device (IUD) or coil

Intrauterine device (IUD) or Coil

An Intrauterine device (IUD) or coil is made of copper and plastic and is small and may come in different shapes. It fits inside the womb (uterus). It stops sperm reaching an egg and may also stop an egg implanting in the womb.

IUDs are 99% effective against pregnancy and last a long time (up to ten years) but they do NOT protect you against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

IUDs are a form of Long-Acting and Reversible Contraception (LARC). LARC methods don’t rely on you remembering to take them, they work while you get on with your life.

A trained doctor or nurse has to fit an IUD. It’s put into your uterus through your vagina and takes about 20 minutes to fit. This can be uncomfortable or painful for some women. But the doctor or nurse will talk to you beforehand about managing the pain and you can be given some painkillers to help.

Once the IUD is fitted you may get some period type pain and light bleeding for a few days afterwards – this is normal. You’ll need to go for a check-up between 3 – 6 weeks after the IUD is fitted.

Where to get an IUD fitted

You will need to see a doctor or nurse to find out if an IUD is suitable for you to use. You can do this by visiting your Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH) clinic or your GP.

Intrauterine systems (IUS)

These are fitted in the same way as an IUD but work by changing the flow of hormones in a woman’s body that control her periods. It works by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg, and thinning the lining of the womb to prevent an egg implanting.

It is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and lasts up to five years. It does NOT protect you against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

An IUS is a form of Long-Acting and Reversible Contraception(LARC). LARC methods don’t rely on you remembering to take them, they work while you get on with your life.

An IUS must be fitted into your womb (uterus) through the vagina, which takes about 20 minutes and must be done by a trained doctor or nurse.

This can be uncomfortable or painful for some women. But the doctor or nurse will talk to you beforehand about managing the pain and you can be given some painkillers to help.

Once the IUS is fitted you may get some period type pain and light bleeding for a few days afterwards – this is normal. You’ll need to go for a check-up between 3 – 6 weeks after the IUS is fitted.

Where to get an IUS fitted

You will need to see a doctor or nurse to find out if an IUS is suitable for you to use and if it is to be fitted.  You can do this by visiting your Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH) clinic.