A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUCD)

What is an Intrauterine Device ?

An IUD is a small plastic and copper device that is fitted into your womb. It has one or two soft threads on the end. These thin threads come through the opening at the entrance of your womb (cervix) into the top of your vagina. An IUD works for three to ten years, depending on type. It used to be called a 'coil'. IUDs should only be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse. Not everyone can use an IUD and your doctor or nurse will need to ask you about your own and your family's medical history. Do mention any illness or operations which you have had.

How does an Intrauterine Device work ?

The main way an IUD works is to stop sperm reaching an egg. It may also make the egg move more slowly along the fallopian tube and stop the egg from settling in the womb.

How effective is an Intrauterine Device ?

Out of every 100 women who use an IUD, up to 2 women may become pregnant in a year. With newer types of IUD less than 1 woman in 100 will become pregnant in a year.

What are the advantages of an Intrauterine Device?

It works as soon as it is put in and it does not interfere with sex. It works for three years or more depending on type.

What are the disadvantages of an Intrauterine Device?

Your periods may be heavier, longer or more painful. This may improve after a few months. There is a very small chance of you getting an infection during the first 20 days after an IUD is put in. Many doctors advise you to have a check for any possible existing infection before they will fit an IUD. If you are at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (by having more than one sexual partner or if your partner has other partners) you could get a pelvic infection at any time. The IUD can be pushed out by your womb (expulsion) or it can move (displacement). This is more likely soon after it has been put in and you may not know it has happened. This is why your doctor or nurse will teach you how to check your IUD threads every month. Rarely an IUD might go through (perforate) your womb or cervix when it is fitted. It may cause pain but often there are no symptoms. If this happens, the IUD may have to be removed by surgery. Perforation is rare when an IUD is fitted by an experienced doctor or nurse. If you do become pregnant while you are using an IUD there is a small risk of you having an ectopic pregnancy. This is when the pregnancy develops outside your womb, usually in a fallopian tube. Although this is rare, it is dangerous. An IUD does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so you may have to use condoms as well.

How is an Intrauterine Device used?

An IUD is usually put in either towards the end of your period or a few days after. It can be fitted up to day 19 in a 28 day menstrual cycle. The doctor or nurse will examine you internally to find the position and size of your womb before they fit an IUD. They must make sure there is no chance of you being pregnant before they fit an IUD. Sometimes they will check for any possible existing infection. There are different types and sizes of IUD to suit different women. It can be uncomfortable having an IUD fitted and you might want to have a painkiller or a local anaesthetic. Talk to your doctor or nurse about this beforehand. You may get a period-type pain and some light bleeding for a few days after the IUD is fitted. Painkillers can help with this.

What to watch out for with an Intrauterine Device?

If you feel unwell and have any pain in your lower abdomen, with a high temperature or a smelly discharge from your vagina in the first three weeks after the IUD is fitted, see a doctor or go back to the family planning clinic as soon as possible. This is because you may have an infection. An IUD has one or two threads attached to the end which hang a little way down from your womb into the top of your vagina. The doctor or nurse will teach you how to feel the threads to make sure the IUD is still in place. You should do this a few times in the first month and then after each period or at regular intervals. It is very unlikely that an IUD will come out, but if you cannot feel the threads, or if you think you can feel the IUD itself, see your doctor or nurse straight away. In the meantime, use an extra contraceptive method, such as condoms. Rarely, your partner may say he can feel the threads during sex. If this is the case, ask your doctor or nurse to check the threads, and they will either move them out of the way or shorten them. You will need to have your IUD checked by a doctor or nurse four to six weeks after it is put in, and then once a year. An IUD can stay in for three to ten years or more depending on type. Contact your doctor or nurse if you have any problems between regular visits. A trained doctor or nurse can take out the IUD at any time. If you are not going to have another IUD put in, and you don't want to become pregnant, use an extra contraceptive method, such as condoms, for seven days before the IUD is taken out. This is to stop sperm getting into your body. Sperm can live for up to seven days inside your body and could fertilise an egg once the IUD is removed. Your usual fertility returns as soon as the IUD is taken out. Your periods may be heavier or longer, especially during the first few months of having an IUD. You may also have some slight bleeding between your first two or three periods after you have had the IUD fitted. Very few women become pregnant with an IUD. If you have a light or delayed period, or if you have a sudden or unusual pain in your lower abdomen, see your doctor straight away as these might be the warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy. If you want to continue with the pregnancy, and it is not an ectopic pregnancy, the IUD should be removed as soon as possible by your doctor. This reduces the risk of miscarriage, though this can still happen. If you do not have a miscarriage, the IUD will not harm the baby.

Can anything make an Intrauterine Device less effective?

Once an IUD has been put into your womb you are protected from getting pregnant unless the IUD is removed or comes out.