Understanding Intrauterine Devices – What is an IUD?

An IUD or intrauterine device is a form of birth control or contraception. A small, T-shaped device, it is placed in the top of the uterus (womb) by a trained proceduralist where it may remain for up to five years or longer. It offers a reliable form of birth control to prevent unwanted or unplanned pregnancy and it is more than 99% effective.

Types of IUDs – & How Do They Work?

What are IUDs – and how do IUDs work?

The concept of a device placed in the uterus for contraception has been used in one form or another for over a hundred years. Designs of these devices have evolved into the advanced, safe, and effective IUDs we use today.

There are two types of modern IUDs used by women in Australia: hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs.

Hormonal IUDs

Hormonal IUDs release the hormone levonorgestrel (progestin). They are made of soft, flexible plastic and slowly release the hormone to prevent pregnancy by:

  • Thickening the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to get through, reach, and fertilise an egg (ovum)
  • Thinning the lining of the uterus to prevent egg implantation
  • Compromising egg survival
  • May help prevent ovulation (egg release from the ovary)

Australia currently has two hormonal IUD brands available, delivering different doses of the hormone. Your GP will be able to advise which option is right for you.

Hormonal IUDs previously required replacement every five years. In many cases, they may now safely and effectively be left in place for up to eight years when used for birth control, delivering the greatest longevity for long-acting reversible contraception available to women in Australia.

Hormonal IUDs can be used by women of all ages whether or not they have ever had a child.

Copper IUDs

Made from plastic and copper, the copper IUD releases no hormones. Depending on the brand used, they may remain in place for up to either five or ten years. They work by:

  • Making it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg
  • Limiting egg survival
  • Changing the uterine lining to compromise egg implantation

IUD Insertion Process

At GCA, our highest priority is the well-being, comfort, and optimised individual care of our patients. We strive to ensure that every woman is fully informed to make the right decisions about her own body and lifestyle, and this includes the most suitable contraceptive option. For many women, this will be an IUD.

All IUD insertions performed at GCA are carried out under intravenous sedation. This is considered to be the preferred method of insertion by many  (and one not offered by GPs or a large number of gynaecologists).

GCA’s unique approach to IUD insertion is a relatively quick and pain-free procedure. An experienced doctor sedationist administers intravenous sedative medication via a vein in the arm to put the patient into a “twilight” sleep (this is not the same as a general anaesthetic). Thereafter, an experienced doctor-proceduralist opens the vagina with a speculum, stabilises and dilates the cervix, and it is through this that the IUD is placed high into the top part of the uterus. The procedure is then complete and the sedation is allowed to wear off.

Learn more details about the IUD insertion process at GCA.

Benefits of Using an IUD

There are several benefits of using an IUD.

  1. IUDs last a long time. Once inserted, they can be “forgotten” until they are due for replacement.
  1. IUDs are reversible. Upon removal, the menstrual cycle and fertility quickly return to natural, pre-IUD levels.
  1. Less risk of unplanned pregnancy. With an IUD, there is no risk of getting pregnant due to forgetting to take a Pill or change a vaginal ring, nor is its effectiveness compromised by vomiting, diarrhoea, or interaction with certain medicines. Nothing is 100% successful but IUDs are more than 99% effective.
  1. Wider suitability. Unlike the Pill or the vaginal contraceptive ring, IUDs are suitable for women who are breastfeeding and/or who can’t use oestrogen. It is also suited to older women for whom the Pill is no longer considered safe (e.g. after age 35 for smokers or in the mid-late 40s for healthy non-smokers). IUDs do not carry the increased risk of blood clots (DVT or deep vein thrombosis) that the Pill does.
  1. Perimenopause Use. This can be an ideal contraceptive option for women who are in perimenopause. Hormonal IUDs also offer a very effective way to treat conditions such as menorrhagia (heavy vaginal bleeding) and it is also an important consideration for protection against endometrial hyperplasia in women using menopausal hormone therapy (MHT – formerly referred to as hormone replacement therapy or HRT).
  1. Cost-Effective. Lower cost over the life of the device than other contraceptive methods.
  1. Reduced Bleeding. Hormonal IUDs usually lighten periods and some women stop having periods completely. This may also result in less period pain.
  1. Reduced Cancer Risk. Hormonal IUDs have been shown to reduce the risk of developing uterine cancer (and this is an important consideration for women who use oestrogen replacement therapy) and scientists believe they may potentially reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Important Considerations

IUDs have pros and cons and both must be considered. While there are indeed certain benefits of choosing IUD contraception, there are some potential side effects, and it is not a suitable option for every woman.

Some disadvantages of IUDs that women must appreciate include:

  • IUDs must be inserted by an experienced, trained proceduralist
  • An IUD may (occasionally) move out of position or even come out on its own
  • They DO NOT protect against STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
  • Possible Side Effects: For hormonal IUDs, these include headaches, bloating, acne, breast tenderness, mood changes, and weight changes. There may be an increased risk of developing benign ovarian cysts with the regular-dose hormonal IUD. For copper IUDs, periods may become heavier, longer, and more painful, and spotting may occur between periods.

Talk with your general practitioner to understand whether IUDs (and which IUD) will be right for you.

Contact Gynaecology Centres Australia for IUD Insertion

IUD birth control is a convenient and extremely effective long-term contraceptive option suited to many women and we offer it at Gynaecology Centres Australia.

With clinics conveniently located in Greater Sydney, Newcastle, Gosford, Wollongong, and Queanbeyan, Gynaecology Centres Australia provides confidential, caring access to exceptional women’s health and gynaecology services, including IUD insertion under sedation.

Please contact us today for IUD insertion, and other comprehensive women’s health and reproductive services. Contact us online or call (02) 9585 9599.