IUD

Contraceptive method

Copper makes sperm that enter the uterus inactive, preventing fertilisation. If fertilisation does occur despite this, the copper prevents implantation. With a copper IUD, you retain your natural menstrual cycle, although you may experience somewhat heavier bleeding. There are several types of copper IUD available. The most commonly used copper IUD is also known as the T-Safe. Below, we describe some of the features of this IUD.

The shape
The T-Safe is a T-shaped IUD (just like hormonal IUDs, but a few millimetres larger). The arms unfold once the IUD is in the uterus. This keeps it securely in place.

Advantages and disadvantages
The arms of the T-Safe may slightly irritate the lining of the uterus, which can cause abdominal pain and spotting between periods.
With an IUD, you cannot control the timing of your periods yourself.

Duration of effectiveness
T-safe: 10 years. 

Cost
The T-Safe costs approximately €85 (excluding the cost of insertion).

Effectiveness
T-Safe is more than 99% effective.

Side effects
During the first 3 to 6 months after the IUD is inserted, you may experience heavier bleeding and more abdominal pain than usual. After this, your natural cycle returns and becomes more regular and predictable. Some women continue to experience a slight increase in menstrual bleeding. Some women experience lower abdominal pain or back pain. In rare cases, the IUD may be expelled from the uterus or may be incorrectly positioned. T-Safe patient information leaflet. If you are still experiencing side effects from the IUD after 3–6 months, please contact us.

Advice on use
Tampons: You can safely use tampons after having an IUD inserted. Wait a few days after the IUD has been inserted before using a tampon, and preferably avoid using one at night during your first period. You do not need to worry about accidentally pulling the IUD out when removing a tampon; it is securely positioned in the uterus.

Menstrual cup: There is still limited research on the use of menstrual cups by women with an IUD. The available literature suggests that using a menstrual cup may increase the risk of IUD expulsion. If you do choose to use a menstrual cup, wait until 3 months after having your IUD inserted, as the risk of expulsion is highest during the first few months. When removing the cup, carefully break the seal first. Make sure you do not accidentally pull on the IUD strings when removing the cup, and check that the IUD has not come out with the cup.

If you wish, check monthly whether you can feel the IUD strings. This way, you can also make sure that the IUD is still in place.

More information: T-shaped copper IUDs – Contraception / General information – T-Safe Copper IUD

Copper IUD (hormone-free)

A copper IUD is a hormone-free form of contraception that gradually releases a small amount of copper.

Hormonal IUD

The hormonal IUD gradually releases a small amount of hormones.

Make an appointment
Once you have made your choice, we will schedule an appointment for the IUD insertion.
Button: Schedule an IUD insertion appointment

When to have an IUD inserted
It does not matter whether you are on your period when the IUD is inserted. If you have recently given birth, you can have an IUD inserted from 10 weeks after giving birth. By then, the cervix and uterus will have fully recovered. It is important to make sure that you are not pregnant and do not have an STI (sexually transmitted infection). If you are unsure, get tested beforehand.

How does it work?
Inserting an IUD is generally a straightforward and relatively quick procedure. The actual insertion takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. We allow plenty of time so that we can explain everything to you calmly and take the time to make the insertion as comfortable as possible.
Before the insertion, we use an internal ultrasound to assess the position of your uterus and check for any other abnormalities. This makes the insertion easier. A speculum is then inserted into the vagina to allow us to see the cervix clearly. To check whether the uterus is suitable for the IUD, we use a probe (a thin rod) to measure the length of the uterus. The IUD can then be inserted into the uterus through the insertion tube, and the strings are trimmed to the correct length. Finally, an internal ultrasound is used to check that the IUD is correctly positioned in the uterus.
The insertion may cause a dull or painful sensation in the lower abdomen. In some cases, IUD insertion can be experienced as quite painful. Taking two 500 mg paracetamol tablets in combination with one 400 mg ibuprofen tablet one hour before the insertion can help reduce the pain. It is normal to experience abdominal cramps or a dull aching sensation in the lower abdomen after an IUD has been inserted.

Follow-up check
Six weeks after the IUD has been inserted, or after your next period, we offer the option of using an internal ultrasound to check whether the IUD is still in the correct position. We will also discuss your experience over the past six weeks.

IUD removal
You can also come to us to have your IUD removed and, if desired, have a new IUD inserted straight away.
After an IUD is removed, you are immediately fertile again.

Cost
IUD insertion/removal: €84 (this includes an ultrasound before insertion and a follow-up ultrasound immediately afterwards). We can bill the costs of IUD insertion or removal directly to your health insurer; these costs are covered by your basic health insurance. Whether the IUD itself is also covered depends on your health insurance policy. In some cases, it is reimbursed or deducted from your excess.
Please check this with your health insurer beforehand.
 
Mirena IUD: approximately €150.00
Kyleena IUD: approximately €150.00
T-Safe: €85.00
 
The follow-up check at 6 weeks is covered by your basic health insurance.
If, for any reason, we are unable to insert the IUD, we will charge €20.00 for the time reserved for your appointment.

IUD insertion

You can discuss which IUD you would like with us by phone or during an appointment.