iud - coil

Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) - Coil

Reliability
Over 99% effective.
One woman in 100 will get pregnant a year.

How it works
A small T-shaped plastic and copper device is put into the womb. It prevents sperm from reaching an egg and it makes it difficult for fertilised egg to settle in the womb (prevents implantation).

Possible Side Effects

• Periods may be heavier, longer or more painful
• Partner may feel threads during intercourse
• May fall out (expulsion)
• Risk of ectopic pregnancy, if IUD fails
• Infection

Advantages / Benefits

• Reliable
• Lasts 5-10 years
• No need to remember contraception
• Fertility returns immediately once removed

Suitability

• Not for women with heavy, painful periods
• Not suitable for those at risk of pelvic infection (e.g. those with multiple sexual partners)
• May not be suitable for those with previous ectopic pregnancy
• Suitable for family spacing

Who can provide it?
Trained doctor only, family planning services or a GP

Comments
require screening for chlamydia before insertion.
when fitted after age 40 years, it can be left in place until menopause.
women are taught to feel threads in vagina to check position
it is put in during days 1-14 of menstrual cycle (day 1 = first day of bleeding)