INTRAUTERINE

DEVICE (IUD)

An IUD (Intrauterine Device) insertion is usually well tolerated by most women. Local anesthesia may be applied to the uterine cervix prior to the insertion. Some women may experience pain and dizziness after insertion, which usually settles after resting for a short time.

The IUD must be inserted by a trained healthcare provider who will follow the necessary procedure to ensure it is correctly positioned. Occasionally, the muscular contractions of the womb during menstruation may sometimes push it out of place or expel it. Very rarely it can perforate the wall of the uterus. If a user of an IUD experiences any unusual bleeding, pain or discomfort, her doctor must be informed as soon as possible.

Neither you nor your partner should feel the IUD during sexual intercourse. If you do, sexual intercourse should be avoided until your doctor has checked that the IUD is still in the correct position.