Intrauterine device (IUD or "coil")

The IUD is a small, T-shaped piece of copper or plastic which is fitted into the uterus. It can prevent pregnancy for between 5 and 10 years, depending on the device and is very effective.

There are a range of different types of IUD available. None of them has any hormones in them and they last for between 5 and 10 years. The IUD is different to the IUS. The IUS has hormones in it, the IUD does not. This page is about the IUD. More information on the IUS can be found here.

 Spend a bit of time looking here and finding out more about the IUD and if you have any more questions, call Ask Brook on 0808 802 1234. Your call will be confidential. That means we won't tell anyone about it unless you ask us to. 

The IUD is one of the types of contraception called a LARC. LARC stands for 'Long Acting Reversible Contraception'. LARC methods don't rely on you remembering to take them, but they do need a professional (like a doctor or a nurse) to give them to you. They are very effective.

How does the IUD work?
How do you use the IUD?
What is good about the IUD?
What should I watch out for with the IUD?
How effective is the IUD?
What makes the IUD less effective?
Who can use the IUD?

How does the IUD work?

The IUD stops sperm meeting an egg (by killing the sperm before it gets to the egg), or it may stop an egg implanting in the womb. It does not cause an abortion.

How do you use the IUD?

A trained doctor or nurse will fit your IUD, which will be put into your uterus, through your vagina. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes and it can be uncomfortable or painful for some women. You may want to use a local anaesthetic and you should be given painkillers to help. Your doctor or nurse should talk to you about the pain beforehand. You may also get some period-type pain and possibly some light bleeding for a few days afterwards.

You can get an IUD fitted at a Brook Centre or a contraceptive clinic or a young people's service, but it's probably worth ringing ahead to check that there is someone available who is trained to fit IUDs. Some GPs will fit IUDs.

Once the IUD is fitted, you will need to go back for a check up three to six weeks later.

You will be protected from pregnancy as soon as your IUD is fitted.

What's good about the IUD?

• Does not interrupt sex.
• Works immediately.
• Works for between 5-10 years depending on the type of IUD fitted.
• Fertility returns to normal immediately after the IUD is removed.
• It can be easily removed by a doctor or nurse.

What to watch out for with the IUD

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Periods may be heavier, more painful or last longer.
• If it fails, there is a risk that a pregnancy will develop in the fallopian tube (known as an ectopic pregnancy).

How effective is the IUD?

It is 98-99% effective depending on the type of IUD. This means that between 1 and 2 women in every 100 women who use an IUD will get pregnant each year.

What makes the IUD less effective?

If the IUD moves out of place it will be less effective. You will need to go back 3 to 6 weeks after it has been fitted so your health practitioner can check the IUD is in place. The doctor or nurse will teach you how to check that it is in place after this and you should check yourself once a month.

Who can use the IUD?

The IUD is not suitable for all women. A doctor or nurse will need to know about a woman's medical history and any illnesses suffered by immediate members of her family, to find out if there are any medical reasons why it might not be suitable.