The IUD:
an ideal contraceptive method
for all women

Recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) is a widely used method of contraception throughout the world. Reliable, safe and reversible at any time, it is ideal for women without children, young mothers and women who want a safe method of contraception between pregnancies. It is the method of first-line contraception recommended by the High Authority of Health in France.
What is the principle of the IUD?
The IUD is a small device, equipped with one or two withdrawal threads on its lower part. It is made of flexible plastic and has copper for copper IUDs or a small reservoir containing progestin hormone for progestin-only IUDs.
The IUD must be placed in the patient’s uterus by a health care professional. It is a very reliable method of contraception that is free of constraint and can be removed at any time.
Are there different types of IUDs?
There are two types of IUDs:

  • Copper IUDs, such as those offered by 7MED, are available in different sizes to best fit the patient’s anatomy. These intrauterine devices are natural because they do not alter the hormonal functions in any way
  • Hormonal IUDs, on the other hand, contain a progestin hormone (levonorgestrel) delivered in very small quantities. This hormone has both a contraceptive and soothing effect, relieving painful periods and reducing their volume and duration.
Can an IUD be inserted after childbirth?
The IUD is a contraceptive method that is highly recommended after childbirth. If the baby was born naturally, the IUD can be inserted 4 to 6 weeks after the birth, until the uterus returns to normal (fits properly).
In the case of a caesarean section, it will be necessary to wait for the uterine wall to heal completely, which takes 6 to 10 weeks.
Is the IUD compatible with breastfeeding?

The copper IUD is completely compatible with breastfeeding. If it is a hormonal IUD, the possible problems encountered may be the same as with oral hormonal contraception.

Can an IUD be used as contraception between two pregnancies?

The IUD is an ideal contraceptive device between two pregnancies. It is 99.4% effective and does not require any medication and does not impose any restrictions. It gives women great freedom, without the risk of forgetting to take it every day and without any impact on fertility or health. Moreover, as this method of contraception is completely reversible, all that is needed is to remove the device to give free rein to a new desire to have a child.

Can an IUD be inserted and removed easily?

The insertion and removal of a copper or hormonal IUD is very easy and takes only a few minutes. The practitioner, after inserting a speculum, inserts the IUD inserter and simply slides the device into the uterus. It is a generally painless act. For removal, the healthcare professional will use the wires attached to the bottom of the device. This is a quick and painless procedure.

Because this method of contraception is completely reversible, it is possible to put an intrauterine device back in place immediately after the previous one has been removed.

Is it possible to conceive a new child immediately after the removal of an IUD?

The intrauterine device is completely reversible. It does not alter hormonal functions and allows the woman’s natural ovulation to continue. It is therefore possible to conceive a child immediately after removal of the IUD.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the IUD compared to the pill?

Copper IUDs – without hormones – do not have a systemic passageway. That means that their action is only local without any passage into the bloodstream. They are therefore ideal for women who do not wish to or cannot ingest a progestin hormone.
As for hormonal IUDs, since the dose of hormones released is low, they do not cause the main side effects of the same nature as the pill, such as migraines, lumbago, etc. The IUD is a totally reversible, long-term contraception that is 99.4% reliable and does not require frequent gynaecological check-ups.

On the inconvenience side, temporary pain can sometimes be felt in the hours following the insertion of the intrauterine device.

Does the copper IUD have an effect on the libido?

Contrary to an old popular belief, the copper IUD has no negative impact on libido. This mechanical method of contraception may even encourage the return of sexual desire in many women who were previously on the progestin-only pill.

As far as hormonal IUDs are concerned, a decrease in libido is one of the most common problems encountered by women who have this device.

How long does an IUD last?

An IUD, whether copper or hormonal, has a particularly long lifespan. Copper IUDs can be worn for between 5 and 10 years. Hormonal IUDs must be changed every 3 to 5 years, depending on the model.

Until what age can an IUD be used?

An IUD can be the first contraception offered to a young woman and accompany her throughout her life, up to the menopause. The reversible nature of this method of contraception makes it possible at any time to respond to the desire for a child and then to find a safe and quality contraception.

Who should I contact to have an IUD inserted?

IUDs are available by prescription. Only health professionals (gynaecologist, general practitioner, midwife) are authorised to prescribe, insert and remove them.

Read more : The IUD: a reliable method of contraception up to the menopause