What is IUD?

There are two types of IUDs 

• The copper IUD, where copper is wound around a plastic skeleton
• The hormonal IUD, where the IUD consists of a plastic tube with a hormone (gestagen) that is released slowly.

IUD's come in different shapes and sizes. The most used is shaped like a T.

What are the types of IUDs?

Copper-containing IUD work by the fact that the copper changes the environment around the cervix, so that the sperm move less well. And by changing the lining of the uterus so that the fertilized egg cannot get implanted.

The copper is released gradually over a number of years, but in such small quantities that the health of your body runs no risk.

The hormonal IUD works by releasing a hormone that prevents the sperm cells from penetrating through the secretions at the cervix, and which makes the endometrium unsuitable for pregnancy.

When does the IUD work?

The IUD works as soon as it is inserted. The IUD has an effective period of 3-8 years, depending on which type you get. At your appointment, the doctor will tell you when your IUD needs to be replaced.

After the implantation, you may feel small contractions in the uterus for a few weeks. Bleeding and menstrual-like pains may also occur.

Who can use IUDs?

• Everyone with a uterus can use IUDs. There is one exception though. The very few who are born with a uterus which has two uterine cavities can not use an IUD.
• Both copper and hormone IUDs are available in two sizes, with the "small" model typically used for women who have not given birth.

How do you get an IUD?

If you want to get an IUD, you must contact your doctor or a birth control clinic. During an abdominal examination, the doctor finds out whether the IUD is a good contraceptive method for you.

It is best to have the IUD installed right after a period. During the abdominal examination, the doctor places the IUD in your uterus with a thin plastic tube. It can be a little uncomfortable. The doctor can apply a local anesthetic before the procedure. You will be vaccinated for chlamydia.

Checking the IUD

The IUD can slip out of the uterus right after insertion or during a period because the uterus contracts. Even when using a tampon or menstrual cup, there is a small risk of pulling out the IUD. That is why it is a good idea that you check regularly whether the IUD is positioned correctly.

Usually, the doctor will check your IUD during an abdominal examination 1-3 months after insertion.

You can also, with a finger high up in the vagina, feel the pieces of string of the IUD. They hang outside, but close to the cervix.

Removing the IUD

If you want to have the IUD removed and you don't want to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about another method. To avoid becoming pregnant in the period immediately after the IUD has been taken out, the IUD should first be removed immediately before or during your menstruation.

If your period does not occur or changes, you should check whether you are pregnant. You can submit a urine sample to the doctor. You can also buy a pregnancy test at the pharmacy, which you can do yourself.

If you become pregnant while using an IUD, you should contact your doctor immediately. If you want to give birth to the baby, the IUD should be removed, as there is a high risk of miscarriage otherwise.

Advantage

• When you have a copper IUD, there is approx. 98% certainty that you will not get pregnant. Hormonal IUD has a safety of more than 99%
• The IUD works as soon as it is inserted
• The copper IUD does not affect your cycle
• The hormonal IUD can cause fewer and fewer menstrual bleedings
• The hormonal IUD gives less risk of pelvic inflammatory disease
• IUDs are suitable for most women and are an obvious choice for women at risk of blood clots (also hormonal IUDs)

Disadvantage

• The IUD can slip out
• The copper IUD almost always gives heavier periods. There is also occasional pain during menstruation. The hormonal IUD produces a weaker period, and for every 5th user the periods stop completely
• IUDs can cause a few women to experience more serious side effects such as depression or suicidal thoughts
• The copper IUD gives a slightly greater risk of abdominal inflammation (increased discharge and pain)
• IUDs does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and HIV