Info Hub
Advice following your IUD (coil) fitting
An IUD (coil) is a small plastic and copper device with one or two plastic threads on the end. A trained doctor or nurse fits the device into the womb (uterus).
There are two main types of IUDs (coils):
Hormonal – It has to be put into your womb (uterus) by a specially trained doctor or nurse and can last up to 8 years. It works by:
- thinning the lining of your womb, so a fertilised egg can’t grow.
- thickening the mucus in your cervix, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
Copper – It’s put into your womb (uterus) by a specially trained doctor or nurse, and prevents pregnancy by:
- slowly releasing copper which is toxic to sperm
- stopping fertilised eggs embedding in the womb
- You may expect some staining or fresh bleeding for a few days after the IUD is fitted.
- You may have some period type pain or cramps for a few days. Take any simple pain killer that you would take for period pain.
- You may have irregular bleeding for the first few months.
- You should use condoms for 7 days after a hormone IUD is fitted (unless your doctor or nurse has advised you differently).
- You can rely on your Copper IUD for contraception as soon as it is fitted.
Your IUD will have thin threads attached to it.
You can ask the doctor or nurse to show you how to check the threads if you would like to know how to do this. The best time to check is usually after a period.
Most IUDs can stay in for 5-10 years depending on the type.
Copper IUDs can last for 5-10 years.
Hormonal IUDs:
- Jaydess – can be used for 3 years for contraception use
- Kyleena– can be used for 5 years for contraception use
- Mirena– can be used for 8 years for contraception use
- Benilexa– can be used for 8 years for contraception use
- Levosert– can be used for 8 years for contraception uses
Your IUD fitter will advise you.
If you have had a copper IUD fitted after your 40th birthday it does not need to be changed unless you’re having problems with it. Once your periods have been stopped for a year after the menopause, we recommend you have the IUD taken out.
A trained doctor or nurse can take out the IUD at any time.
This is usually a simple procedure.
If you are not going to have another IUD put in, and you do not want to become pregnant, we would advise you to use an extra contraceptive method such as a condom from the start of your period that month. Your usual fertility returns as soon as the IUD is taken out.