What is it?
An Intrauterine device (IUD) is a small ‘T-shaped’ plastic device. There are two types of IUDs: the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD.
It is placed inside the uterus by a health professional and is left there for 5 to 10 years depending on the type. The IUD has fine threads attached to it that come through the cervix into the vagina once inserted into the uterus. When inserted, you (and your partner) usually can’t tell that the IUD is even there. IUDs don't prevent you from getting a sexually transmissible infection (STI) so it's important to still use condoms as well.
Hormonal IUD
The hormonal IUD lasts for up to 5 years and works by releasing a progesterone hormone.
It works by:
thickening the mucus in the cervix so sperm cannot reach the uterus
changing the lining of the uterus so that a fertilised egg cannot stick to it to start a pregnancy
it can also sometimes stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month
Copper IUD
The copper IUD doesn’t contain any hormones and instead has copper bands and/or wire. The copper IUD lasts for up to 10 years and works by:
being toxic to sperm, which prevents sperm from reaching and fertilising an egg
changing the lining of the uterus so that a fertilised egg cannot stick to it to start a pregnancy
The copper IUD can also be used as a form of emergency contraception instead of the emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill).
Things to consider
- IUDs don’t protect against STIs
- Pain or discomfort can be experienced after insertion
- IUDs are cheap considering the length of time they last for.
- It can be removed at any time (by a health professional) with fertility returning quickly
- Some people may experience changes with their periods. This can include heavier, longer, and more painful periods with the copper IUD or frequent, light bleeding in the first few months of using the hormonal IUD. This may improves after the first few months of insertion
- Each month you have to check that the IUD is still in place (by placing a finger into the vagina to feel for the fine threads).
