Copper coil (IUD)

What

An IUD is a small T-shaped device that's inserted into your womb (uterus). The copper in the IUD prevents the egg from being fertilised and implanting in the uterus. This keeps you from getting pregnant. The IUD can stay in place for 5 to 10 years. It depends on the type of coil you choose.

How reliable is the IUD?

The IUD is very reliable. On average, 6 to 8 out of 1000 women become pregnant every year. However, the coil must be fitted properly in the uterus by a doctor. The doctor at the Centre for Sexual Health will check whether the coil is fitted properly using an ultrasound immediately after insertion. If your period is one or two weeks late, do a pregnancy test just to be sure. If this is positive, contact your GP.

When is the IUD reliable?

The IUD is generally reliable immediately after insertion. The uterus can sometimes expel the IUD. This will then usually happen in the first few months after insertion. During the check-up, another ultrasound will be taken to check whether the coil is still positioned correctly.

We recommend you use condoms whenever you have sex until the follow-up appointment.

What should I be aware of after a coil insertion?

It is easier to get infections immediately after insertion. We advise you not to use tampons or have sex for the first two days. Do not have a bath or swim either. You can use sanitary pads and take a shower.

Side effects of inserting a coil

The uterus has to get used to the coil. This can cause abdominal pain or cramps. You may also experience light bleeding or brown discharge. This is normal and will go away by itself. If necessary, you can take a painkiller for the pain.

If you have a fever, severe abdominal pain or feel sick, contact your GP or a doctor at the Centre for Sexual Health.

How do I tell if it's still in place?

You can check whether the coil is still properly positioned. You should do this now and then to make sure you are protected. To check it:

• Wash your hands.
• Crouch down and insert 1 finger into your vagina.
• Find the cervix with your finger; it feels like a smooth lump.
• 2 threads of about 2 centimetres protrude from the cervix. It often feels like one thread.

If the threads are longer than last time, you no longer feel the threads or you feel a plastic leg, the coil may not be positioned properly. Contact your GP. They can check this.

Removing the coil

The copper IUD may remain in place for 5 to 10 years. It depends on the type of coil you choose. After that time, you can have it replaced or removed.

You can have the coil removed before this, for example, if you want to become pregnant or have side effects. We advise you to use condoms during sex the week before the coil removal.

If you do not want to get pregnant, you should use another contraceptive method immediately after removal.