INTRAUTERINE

DEVICE (IUD)

PROS

• Easy to useexpand_less

  Don’t need to remember to take/use it every day or every time you have sex.

• Partially user dependentexpand_more

  Does not require a daily reminder and is not impacted by vomiting or diarrhoea like some methods of contraception, however, timely replacement is still user's responsibility.

• Highly effectiveexpand_more

  Is >99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

• Reversibleexpand_more

  Upon discontinuation of use, fertility should return to normal.

• Long lastingexpand_more

  Prevents pregnancy for up to 5-10 years, depending on the IUD.

• Hormone freeexpand_more

  The IUD contains copper and doesn't contain any hormones, so may not be suitable for women with a copper allergy of Wilson's disease.

• Doesn’t interrupt sexexpand_more

  With the IUD in place you don't need to worry about contraception in the moment.

• Breastfeedingexpand_more

  It can be used when breastfeeding.

• No hormonal side effectsexpand_more

  No hormonal side effects such as weight gain, mood swings and breast tenderness.

CONS

• Periodsexpand_less

  Periods may be heavier and more painful than with hormonal methods.

• Abnormal uterine bleedingexpand_more

  Not suitable for women who have undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding.

• STIsexpand_more

  Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• Administrationexpand_more

  It requires a trained healthcare provider to fit and remove the IUD.

• WILL THE IUD AFFECT MY PERIODS?expand_less

  Women with an IUD may experience heavier and longer bleeding.

• CAN THE IUD CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN?expand_more

  Weight gain has not been reported as a side effect of the IUD.

• CAN THE IUD CAUSE MOOD SWINGS?expand_more

  Mood swings has not been reported as a side effect of the IUD.

• DOES THE IUD AFFECT ACNE?expand_more

  Acne has not been reported as a side effect of the IUD.

• OTHER SIDE EFFECTSexpand_more

  Women may experience may experience painful periods or abdominal pain or dizziness after insertion.

  • Pelvic infection - There is a small risk of infection when the IUD is put in.
• RISKSexpand_more
  • Anaemia - If menstrual bleeding is prolonged and heavy.
  • Damage to the womb - There’s a very small risk that the IUD might go through your uterus (womb) or cervix when it’s put in. If it does happen, the IUD may have to be removed by surgery.
  • Rejection - Risk of expulsion of the IUD.
  • Pregnancy outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy) - Possible but rare. If the IUD fails and you become pregnant, there is an increased risk the pregnancy will be ectopic.
  • Potential risks - Women may experience may experience painful periods or abdominal pain or dizziness after insertion.