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INTRAUTERINE

DEVICE (IUD)

PROS

Easy to use

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

Partially user dependent

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 effective

Is >99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Reversible

Upon discontinuation of use, fertility should return to normal.

Long lasting

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

Hormone free

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 sex

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

Breastfeeding

It can be used when breastfeeding.

No hormonal side effects

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

CONS

Periods

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

Abnormal uterine bleeding

Not suitable for women who have undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding.

STIs

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

Administration

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

The pros and cons listed are not exhaustive. Talk to your doctor or nurse for more information.

SIDE EFFECTS

All medicines can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Its important for you to ask your doctor for full comprehensive information for each option including understanding all potential risks, which will require an individualised medical review. The following section includes some initial considerations.

IUD side effects

An IUD contains copper instead of hormones so the potential side effects differ from hormonal treatments.

WILL THE IUD AFFECT MY PERIODS?

Women with an IUD may experience heavier and longer bleeding.

CAN THE IUD CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN?

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

CAN THE IUD CAUSE MOOD SWINGS?

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

DOES THE IUD AFFECT ACNE?

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

OTHER SIDE EFFECTS

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.

RISKS

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.

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PP-UN-WHC-GB-0289 July 2025