How is an IUD
inserted?

IUD insertion is done during the first part of the cycle to avoid inserting the IUD in a woman who might be pregnant. Before insertion, it may be helpful to perform hysterometry to assess the shape, size, and sensitivity of the uterus.

IUD insertion is usually little or no pain. Women who have never had a pregnancy, as the risk of pain is higher, can take an antispasmodic medication 2 hours before insertion. The insertion itself is very quick. A small sanitary napkin can be provided, as there may be some minor bleeding a few hours after application. For possible stomach aches and pains, taking paracetamol will quickly relieve them.

It is useful to have a check-up every year, during the gynecological surveillance consultation, to make sure that the IUD is properly positioned. After 5 years, it is possible to remove the IUD and insert a new one during the same consultation.

The advantage of the copper IUD is that it is very effective, has a long duration of action and does not present any risk of cancer or cardiovascular disease.

Precautions :

There are, however, some contraindications to IUD insertion:

  • Unexplained uterovaginal bleeding
  • Suspected or proven pregnancy
  • A malformation of the uterus incompatible with IUD insertion
  • History or existence of uterine or trophoblastic pathology
  • Infectious risk situations (STDs, high genital infection…)
  • An allergy to copper or to any of the other components of the IUD
  • Postpartum (between 48 hours and 4 weeks)

Effectiveness :

IUDs are highly effective (over 99%). As there are no handling errors outside the time of insertion, the effectiveness of this contraceptive method does not depend on the user, unlike the use of pills. Copper IUDs are effective from the day they are inserted. They can be inserted up to 5 days after the theoretical date of ovulation, which is the 19th day of the cycle. Under normal conditions of use, IUDs maintain their performance where the failure rate of oral contraception rises to about 8% due to pill forgetting, digestive problems, etc.

Used as emergency contraception, the copper IUD is a very effective alternative to the morning-after pill.

Benefits:

  • Simplicity: you don’t have to think about your pill every day
  • Comfort: effective as soon as it is inserted, immediate return to previous fertility as soon as it is taken off
  • Absence of hormones: health benefit
  • The duration of use: peace of mind for 5 years

Disadvantages:

  • Copper IUDs can lengthen and increase menstrual bleeding. If the period is short and sparse, the difference will be imperceptible
  • Sometimes pain occurs at the time of menstruation or at the time of ovulation

The rule:

If you notice anything abnormal, ask your doctor for advice.

Read more: 8 common misconceptions about IUDs