Once fitted the IUD or IUS is over 99% effective.
Depending on which type of IUD or IUS you have, your doctor or nurse will need to change it every 5 to 10 years.
The IUD is a small plastic and copper hormone-free device that is fitted into your womb by a doctor or nurse. The IUD has two soft threads attached that hang down just outside the cervix (the neck of the womb) so that you can use two fingers to feel that the device is in place. But don’t worry, they only hang down about a centimetre and your partner won’t be able to feel them during sex. |
The main way an IUD works is by stopping the sperm from reaching an egg. It does this by preventing sperm from surviving in the cervix (the neck of the womb), womb or fallopian tubes. It may also work by stopping a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb. |
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Because the IUD is hormone-free, you won’t get any of the possible hormonal side-effects that you might get from the pill, injection or implant. |
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Your periods may be heavier, longer or more painful. |
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The doctor or nurse will offer you a test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea if they think you may be at risk before fitting the IUD. You will be asked to come back for a check up a few weeks after it has been fitted to make sure that everything is OK but there is no need to attend for regular check ups if you are happy with your IUD. |
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The IUS is similar to the IUD, but it contains the hormone progestogen. Like the IUD, the IUS has two soft threads attached which hang down into the vagina so that you can check the device is in place.
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It works by making the mucus thick in the neck of the womb (cervix), this makes it difficult for sperm to enter the womb. |
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Your periods will be much lighter, shorter and less painful but you might experience irregular bleeding for the first few months, this usually settles down. |
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There may be temporary side-effects such as breast tenderness and headaches. |
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