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Intrauterine device (IUD)

Pregnancy prevention for up to ten years, remove at any time.

An effective, long-acting and reversible family planning method

The IUD is a small, T-shaped device made from plastic and copper that is placed in a woman's womb and provides contraceptive protection for up to ten years.

The IUD is a long-acting, reversible method of contraception (LARC). 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.

Importantly, they are discrete and no one will know you have it. They do not interrupt sex.

An IUD can only be made available to those who have had at least one child. If you do not have any children, please consider one of the many other types of contraception we offer.

IUDs are also straightforward for a trained provider to insert and remove, which can generally be done at any time.

Effectiveness

99% - If one hundred women used the IUD for a year and carried on with their normal sex life then only one of those women would fall pregnant during that period.

Availability

IUDs are available at all of our locations but can only be provided to those who have at least one child.

Pricing

Please contact our team for more information about pricing.

If you're starting to use contraception for the first time, or thinking about using a new method, it's a good idea to have a full consultation.

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Find our locations that offer contraception and family planning services

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Advantages of an IUD

There are plenty of advantages for using an IUD as an effective way to prevent pregnancy.

Both types of IUD (hormonal and non-hormonal) offer the following advantages:

  • Easily inserted by a trained Marie Stopes provider
  • Effective immediately
  • Easy to use - nothing to remember after insertion
  • Can be easily removed
  • Works as soon as it's put in
  • There are no hormonal side effects
  • Fertility returns immediately after it’s removed
  • It does not interrupt sex
  • Your partner will no know you have it.

These benefits come from the correct use of the IUD when inserted by a trained provider. If using an IUD you should also make sure to follow any product manufacturer instructions.

Contraception methods at a glance

Contraceptive implant

The implant is a highly effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It consists of either 1 or 2 small plastic rods that are placed in the upper arm and, depending on the product used, is effective at preventing pregnancy for 3 to 5 years.

Injectable

The injectable or contraceptive injection is an effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It works by releasing a hormone that stops eggs being released by the body. Injectables are highly effective, lasting 2 to 3 months (depending on the type used), but women must remember to return for another injection around this time or risk not being protected from pregnancy.

Intrauterine device

The IUD is a highly effective (99%), long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It is a small, T-shaped device that is made from plastic and copper and works by stopping a man's sperm from meeting an egg and/or by stopping an egg implanting in the uterus. The procedure for inserting an IUD is simple, usually only taking a few minutes by a trained person. 

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is a permanent, irreversible contraceptive solution for women.

It is suitable for women who are sure they don't want anymore children.

The method involves a short surgical procedure, performed by a highly trained doctor that prevents a woman's eggs and the man's sperm meeting, so a pregnancy can't occur.

Vasectomy

A surgical procedure for providing a permanent contraceptive solution for men.

A vasectomy is a contraceptive method suitable for men who are sure they don't want anymore children.

It's a popular method of family planning chosen by millions of men worldwide. It's safe, effective and offers a permanent solution to contraceptive needs.

 

How an IUD works

The IUD works by stopping a man's sperm meeting an egg or it may also stop an egg implanting in the uterus.

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 assist 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.

Looking for more information about IUDs?

Try visiting our frequently asked questions where we've provided some brief answers to some of our most commonly asked questions.

Frequently asked questions

IUD aftercare advice

If you have an IUD fitted, it will work straight away. When your IUD is fitted, you should plan a follow-up appointment after 6 weeks to have your IUD checked.

Once a month, after your period, gently insert a finger into your vagina during a bath or shower. The neck of your womb (cervix) feels a bit like the end of your nose, and you should be able to feel the threads of your IUD. If you can’t, please contact us or your doctor, and use condoms or abstain from sex until the presence of the IUD is confirmed.

Your partner should not be able to feel the threads during sex. If this happens, seek advice as above, as your threads might be too long.

Please contact us at any time if you have any aftercare concerns, or find out more if you're looking to learn about removing an IUD.

Contact us IUD removal

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