How long copper coil
Contact your GP straight away if you feel a lot of pain in the lower abdomen after having an IUD fitted. If perforation occurs, you may need surgery to remove the IUD. Although it is unlikely that you would become pregnant while the IUD is fitted, if you do, there is a small increased risk of you having an ectopic pregnancy.
The risk of ectopic pregnancy is less in women using an IUD than in women using no contraception at all. The coil can be pushed out by your uterus or it can move. This is not common. This is more likely to happen soon after it has been put in. This is why your doctor or nurse will teach you how to check your coil threads every month and also arrange to check it for you 6 weeks after your fitting.
If you're 40 or older when you have the IUD fitted, it can be left until you reach menopause or you no longer need contraception. The non-hormonal coil IUD releases copper that creates an environment where sperm do not survive. The hormonal coil IUS releases a progestogen hormone, which thickens the mucus from the cervix opening of the womb , making it harder for sperm to move through it and reach an egg.
It also causes the womb lining to become thinner and less likely to accept a fertilised egg. In some women, the IUS also stops the ovaries from releasing an egg ovulation , but most women will continue to ovulate. Your partner shouldn't be able to feel your IUD during sexual activity.
Your clinician may be able to cut the threads a little. You may have irregular bleeding patterns during the first few months of using the IUD. For some women their periods are heavier, longer or more painful. While using the IUD you can use tampons, pads or a mooncup.
STIs and pelvic infections need to be treated as soon as possible. It can be given by most sexual health clinics and some GPs. We use cookies, but in a good way. Our cookies do not track or store identifiable data. Previous Next. Non-hormonal coil IUD. Why it works The IUD does not contain a hormone, but instead slowly releases copper, which prevents sperm from surviving in your cervix, uterus or fallopian tubes.
Some women find the procedure to insert the IUD uncomfortable or painful. In: Contraceptive Technology. Ayer Company Publishers; Hatcher RA, et al.
Intrauterine contraceptives. In: Managing Contraception Tiger, Ga. Dean G, et al. Intrauterine contraception: Devices, candidates, and selection. Accessed Nov. ParaGard T A prescribing information. Sellersville, Pa. Procius KD, et al. Intrauterine contraception: Management of side effects and complications.
Butler Tobah, YS expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Carusi DA, et al. Let the person fitting your IUD know if you feel any pain or discomfort while you are having it fitted. You can ask to stop at any time. You may get period-type cramps afterwards, but painkillers can ease the cramps. You may also bleed for a few days after having an IUD fitted. Once your IUD has been fitted, you may be advised to get it checked by a GP after 3 to 6 weeks to make sure everything is fine.
See a GP if you or your partner are at risk of getting an STI, as this can lead to an infection in the pelvis. An IUD has 2 thin threads that hang down a little way from your womb into the top of your vagina. The GP or nurse that fits your IUD will teach you how to feel for these threads and check that it's still in place. Check your IUD is in place a few times in the first month and then after each period, or at regular intervals.
It's very unlikely that your IUD will come out, but if you cannot feel the threads or think it's moved, you may not be protected against pregnancy. See a GP or nurse straight away and use additional contraception, such as condoms, until your IUD has been checked. If you have had sex recently, you may need to use emergency contraception. Your partner should not be able to feel your IUD during sex. If they can, see a GP or nurse for a check-up.
If you're not having another IUD put in and do not want to get pregnant, use additional contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days before you have it removed. People who have had an ectopic pregnancy or who have an artificial heart valve must consult their GP or clinician before having an IUD fitted. An IUD can usually be fitted 4 weeks after giving birth vaginal or caesarean. You'll need to use alternative contraception from 3 weeks 21 days after the birth until the IUD is put in.
In some cases, an IUD can be fitted within 48 hours of giving birth. It's safe to use an IUD when you're breastfeeding, and it will not affect your milk supply. You'll be protected against pregnancy immediately. Although an IUD is an effective method of contraception, there are some things to consider before having one fitted. There's a very small chance of getting a pelvic infection in the first 20 days after the IUD has been inserted. You may be advised to have a check for any existing infections before an IUD is fitted.
There's some limited evidence that if you have an IUD fitted, you may have a slightly higher chance of getting thrush that keeps coming back. You might want to think about trying a different type of contraception. There's a small chance that the IUD can be rejected expelled by the womb or it can move displacement.
If this happens, it's usually soon after it's been fitted. You'll be taught how to check that your IUD is in place. In rare cases, an IUD can make a hole in the womb when it's put in. Disadvantages It doesn't protect against sexually transmissible infections STIs It requires a procedure to be put in and removed from the uterus; putting it in can be uncomfortable When the IUD is put in there is a small chance of: difficulty inserting the IUD damage to the wall of the uterus perforation infection It can sometimes come out by itself Your periods can be heavier and last longer You can have some irregular spot bleeding in the first few months How do I get a copper IUD?
Only a specially trained doctor or nurse can put in an IUD. You may need to make two visits. Download as a PDF Factsheet. Share this page:. Find health information. Request an appointment.