The Copper Coil (IUD)

• Over 99% effective
• lasts 5 to 10 years (depending on type)
• Upon removal, immediate return to fertility
• The copper creates an unwelcome environment for sperm and eggs in the womb, preventing fertilisation

Benefits:

• No hormone so no hormonal side-effects & you can still breastfeed
• Lasts a long time & works straight away
• No interruption of sex
• Not interfered-with by any medicines – always works
• If you are 40y.o or older when it is fitted, it can be left in until the menopause

Drawbacks:

• Periods will continue and can be heavier or more uncomfortable for 3-6 months
• Small risk of infection after insertion and small risk of it being pushed out by your body (we will teach you how to check its in place regularly)
• Doesn’t protect against STDs

The Intrauterine System (IUS) e.g. Mirena

• Over 99% effective
• lasts 3 to 5 years (depending on brand)
• Releases hormone progestogen into the womb
• Upon removal, rapid return to fertility
• Thickens cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to get through the cervix, thins the lining of the womb so an egg finds it difficult to implant and can in some patients stop release of an egg (ovulation)

Benefits:

• It can make your periods lighter, shorter or stop altogether – can help those with heavy or painful periods
• It can be used by those who can’t use combined contraception eg migraines, overweight
• No interruption of sex & you can breastfeed
• Not interfered-with by any medicines – always works
• If you are 45y.o or older when it is fitted, it can be left in until the menopause

Drawbacks:

• Periods  may become irregular or stop completely, which may not be suitable for some people
• Some experience headaches, acne or breast tenderness after insertion – but usually settle with time
• Some women can have mood changes
• Uncommonly some people can develop small cysts on the ovaries, usually disappear without treatment
• Small risk of infection after insertion and small risk of it being pushed out by your body (we will teach you how to check its in place regularly)
• Doesn’t protect against STDs

Copper Coil (IUD)

Most people with a womb can have a Copper Coil

May not be suitable if you:

• Think you may be pregnant
• Have an untreated sexually transmitted infection
• Have problems with your womb or cervix
• Have unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex

Intrauterine System (IUS) e.g. Mirena

Most people with a womb can have the IUS.

May not be suitable for those with a history of:

• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Womb Cancer
• Liver Disease
• Unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex
• Arterial disease or a history of heart disease or stroke
• An untreated sexually transmitted infection (STD)
• Problems with your womb or cervix

Patients with the following conditions will be guided instead to a Consultant-led service. If you have one of or a history of one of the following condition you are better booking with a consultant-led service from the start:

1. Cardiac Conditions
2. Epilepsy
3. Gynecology diagnoses or the presence of fibroids
4. Bicornate uterus
5. History of chlamydia or gonorrhoea
6. History of ectopic pregnancy
7. History of treatment for abnormal smears (LLETZ Procedure)

Note: Those who have never had children can find the insertion of a coil uncomfortable and may need referred on for the procedure to be done under anaesthetic, though this is rare.