IUD stands for Intrauterine Device. It is a tiny ‘T shaped’ device that is put into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. They are one of the most effective methods of contraception; they are long-acting and reversible.
There are two types of IUDs; ones with hormones, and ones without.
Copper IUD
Both copper and hormonal IUDs work by making it difficult for the sperm to move and get to the egg. If the sperm can’t reach the egg then you can’t get pregnant.
The copper IUD uses copper to prevent pregnancy. Sperm doesn’t like copper, so the copper IUD makes it almost impossible for sperm to get to the egg.
The hormones in the Mirena and Jaydess IUDs prevent pregnancy in two ways:
1) They thicken the mucus that lives on the cervix, which blocks and traps the sperm, and
2) They sometimes stop eggs from leaving your ovaries (during ovulation), which means there’s no egg for sperm to fertilise. No egg equals no pregnancy.
One of the great things about IUDs is that they last for years but they’re not permanent. If you decide you want to get pregnant or you just don’t want to have your IUD anymore, your nurse or doctor can quickly and easily take it out. You’re also able to get pregnant soon after the IUD is removed.
Lasts up to 5 years
Contains a very small amount of hormones (progestogen)
99.8% effective
2 in 1000 get pregnant
Helps control crampy and heavy periods. Likely to make your period much lighter or stop it altogether.
Lasts up to 10 years
Doesn’t contain hormones
99.2% effective
8 in 1000 get pregnant
Likely to keep your period the same
Reach out online or call 0800 226 784 to speak to one of our nurses. We value your decision about your health.
