Intrauterine Device (IUD)

A Long acting and reversible method of Contraception

Home Services Women’s Health Intrauterine Device (IUD)

A small T-shaped plastic and copper device that’s put into the womb (uterus) by a medical expert to prevent pregnancy for as long as you want.

If you’re looking into your options for family planning, one method you may want to think about is the IUD. They are long-lasting, easily reversible, safe, and 99% effective in preventing unintended pregnancy.

An effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception

The IUD is a small, T-shaped device that is placed in a woman’s uterus and provides contraceptive protection for as long as you want.

Made from plastic and copper, the IUD is a long-term method of contraception. Long-acting methods of contraception all have the advantage that, once in place, you don’t need to think about them until they need replacing and none of them interrupt sex. They’ve also been shown to be more effective than short-term contraceptive methods like the morning-after pill.

Frequently asked questions about IUDs

What are the advantages of the IUD?

– The IUD is easy to use. Once in place, you do not need to think about it or do anything until it needs replacing.
– You can get the IUD removed whenever you want. Your previous fertility will return immediately after the IUD is removed.
– It can be placed in your uterus directly after childbirth or at the time of pregnancy termination and works as soon as you put it in.
– An IUD requires a simple, small procedure to fit and remove it.
– It does not interrupt sex. Neither you nor your partner would be aware of the IUD during sex. If you experience any discomfort you should have the positioning of your IUD checked by our service providers.

Does IUD prevent Sexually transmitted infections?

Unlike condoms, it does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What happens during an IUD insertion?

Inserting an IUD is a simple procedure that takes a few minutes. A trained person inserts the IUD. The IUD sits in your womb and does not move from there. There are threads attached to the IUD which hang down into the vagina that assists with removal or if you or your provider want to check on the IUD. Do not pull on the threads as this is how the device is removed.

The IUD starts working as soon as it is put in and stops working as soon as it is taken out, at which point your normal fertility returns immediately.

Do you offer IUD removal and what happens during an IUD removal?

Yes, we help in taking out IUDs and the process is quick and simple.

Our service provider will gently pull on your IUD string, and the arms of the IUD will fold and slip out. You may experience cramps for a short while as it comes out. If there are difficulties removing your IUD, the provider may use additional instruments to help remove it. They will explain what is happening so that you understand and feel comfortable.
There is a small chance the IUD may not slide out quite so easily, but our service provider will be able to offer a few simple alternative procedure methods. In extremely rare cases, a simple surgery may be required.

If you still don’t want to get pregnant following the removal of an IUD, you’ll have to replace it or choose another form of contraception that suits you.
Our contact centre agents can help recommend other forms of contraception or you can try our online contraceptive tool – to help find the best method for you.

In general, you should feel completely normal after getting your IUD removed and may just have some spotting. Your period will return to how it was before the IUD was inserted (unless you choose to continue with another form of hormonal contraception).

How do I know the IUD is still in place?

It is rare for the IUD to fall out or move. Most women can self-examine and feel the small, fragile thread attached to the end of the IUD which comes out of the cervix and into the vagina. When you have the IUD inserted make sure your carer shows you how to find the thread so you feel confident to find it again.

Does the IUD make a woman infertile?

An IUD doesn’t affect your ability to conceive. A woman can become pregnant once the IUD is removed just as quickly as a woman who has never used an IUD.