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Intrauterine Devices (IUD) & Intrauterine System (IUS)

What is an IUD?

An IUD (Intrauterine Device) is a small device made from plastic or copper, previously known as ‘the coil’. It can be placed quite easily into the uterus (womb) by a trained doctor or nurse. An IUD works mainly by stopping the egg and sperm from meeting. It may also prevent the fertilised egg from attaching to the lining of the uterus. The copper also has a spermicidal effect (kills sperm).

How effective are they?

Modern IUD’s are 99% effective or more. This means that up to 1 woman in 100 will become pregnant each year using this method of contraception. Compared to when no contraception is used, more than 80 in 100 sexually active women who do not use contraception become pregnant within one year.  Once an IUD is inserted you can forget about contraception.  So, unlike the pill,  you don’t need to think about contraception every day.  It does not interfere with sex.  Side effects may occur such as mood swings, skin problems and breast tenderness.  The coil can be inserted any time of your cycle as long as you are not pregnant and once removed it is possible to become pregnant straight away. Most women can have an IUD, you will be required to have an initial consultation and assessment prior to this.

What is an IUS?

At the Surrey Park Clinic we also offer an intrauterine system which is a small device made from plastic and contains progestogen hormone. Therefore, it is called an intrauterine system (IUS) and not just an intrauterine device (IUD). The IUS, the mirena coil, is put into a woman’s uterus (womb) by a doctor or nurse and can be taken out at any time. It works for three to five years before needing replacing. It works differently to an IUD as an IUS includes a progestogen hormone. It works mainly by thickening the mucus made by the cervix which forms a ‘mucus plug’ in the cervix. This stops sperm getting through to the uterus (womb) to fertilise an egg. The progestogen also makes the lining of the uterus thinner. This makes it unlikely that a fertilised egg will be able to attach to the uterus. It may also have some effect on the ovary, and ovulation may not occur (the release of the egg each month). The IUS has become popular as a treatment for heavy periods (menorrhagia). In most treated women, bleeding becomes very light, or stops altogether, within 3-9 months. This system can also be used to manage symptoms during perimenopause and menopause.

At the Surrey Park Clinic, we are specialists in the insertion and removal of Coils & Mirena IUD. We can offer patients appointments on Mon-Sat in our discreet clinic at a time that suits you. You do not need a referral and can simply call us on 01483 454 016.