INTRA UTERINE DEVICE (IUD)

The intra uterine device (IUD) is a form of long-acting reversible contraception for women. It is made up of a small flexible device which is inserted in a woman's womb . It prevents pregnancy for

up to twelve (12) years but can be taken out any time the woman want to concieve. A woman's ability to become pregnant is restored once it is removed. It does not disturb you or your intercourse in any way.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The main way an IUD works is by preventing fertilisation of the egg.
The copper or the hormone from the IUD stops the sperm moving through the womb towards the egg.
Occasionally an egg is fertilised. The IUD then stops the egg settling (implanting) into the womb.

HOW EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT IS IUD?

Copper and hormone IUDs are at least 99% effective in preventing pregnancy - only one woman out of 100 will get pregnant each year.


WHAT WILL I NOTICE?
With a copper IUD, spotting, light bleeding, heavier or prolonged bleeding and pain with bleeding are common in the first three to six months of use. This usually improves with time.
With a hormone IUD (Mirena or Jaydess), for the first three to six months your periods may be lighter but longer and you may have some bleeding or spotting in between your periods.
After this, many women have lighter periods and some have no bleeding at all. This is safe for your body.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFIT OF USING AN IUD?

• Long acting - can stay in place for close to 12 years
• Reversible  - possible to get pregnant as soon as the IUD is removed.
• Very effective – at least 99%.
• Can be easily removed (by any doctor or Family Planning nurse) if you don’t like it or want to get pregnant.
• Does not affect breastfeeding.
• Does not interfere with sexual intercourse.
• No-one else needs to know you are using it.
• No evidence of an increased risk of cancer.
• Copper IUDs do not contain any hormones.
• Copper IUDs can also be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse (emergency contraception).
• Hormone IUDs release a very small dose of hormone and most women have no side effects from this.