Copper

Getting a Copper IUD is simple. The process is similar to getting a smear test. A speculum is gently inserted into your vagina. The arms of the IUD are folded downwards as it passes through the opening of your uterus – kind of like a stick. Once the IUD is inside your uterus the inserting device is released, and the arms fold upwards to create the ‘T’ like shape. And just like that your IUD is fitted.

Interesting fact: The arms of the device only open as wide as your uterus. The strings of your IUD are cut so that they are only a few cm long and they curl up inside your vagina so you don’t have to worry about them hanging out.

The insertion only takes a few minutes; all up, your appointment should take no longer than 15 minutes.

Prior to arriving at your appointment, it is a great idea to take some ibuprofen and/or paracetamol to ease any discomfort you may feel during or after your Copper IUD has been fitted.

The moment the Copper IUD is inserted, you may feel a strong sharp period-like cramp. This is the device going through the opening of your uterus and the arms of the device opening. During these few seconds, take a deep breath in and a long breath out. Within minutes the discomfort should settle.

Once your copper IUD has been fitted, you may feel a little crampy for the rest of the day – just like period cramps. You can continue about your normal day or use it as an excuse to take some time for yourself, curl up on the couch with your favourite book, or binge-watch Netflix.

For the next couple of days, you may have mild cramps and light spotting as your Copper IUD settles into place. This is normal. Some ibuprofen or paracetamol will help ease your discomfort. Within a few days, you won’t even realise that the Copper IUD is there.

When you no longer want your Copper IUD it can easily be removed. The strings on your Copper IUD are there for the same purpose as a string on a tampon “pull to remove” and a s tempting as it may be to pull the strings, it is best left to one of our nurses or doctors.

The process is even easier than getting your Copper IUD fitted. A speculum is gently inserted into your vagina, the strings are pulled, and just like that your Copper IUD is out. When the strings are pulled, the arms of the Copper IUD fold up, and the device becomes like a stick so that it can easily pass through the opening of your uterus to be removed. All up, your appointment should take no longer than 15 minutes.

Once your Copper IUD has been removed, your fertility returns to normal. You will be able to get pregnant straight away.

Once your Copper IUD is removed, your body and uterus will return to normal almost immediately.

You will be in sync with your normal cycle, so your next period should arrive on time.