Contraception

An IUD is a very reliable form of contraception that can be combined well with breastfeeding. There are two types of IUDs: the hormone-free copper IUD (aka T-Safe) and the hormone IUD (Mirena and Kyleena). We can place all types of spirals for you at the practice.

Hormone-free IUD
A copper IUD is hormone-free contraception and gradually releases a little copper. Copper paralyses sperm cells entering the uterus and makes them inactive so that fertilisation cannot take place.

A copper IUD also works as a morning-after IUD if it is placed within five days of unsafe sex. The copper IUD makes the endometrium unsuitable for the implantation of a possibly fertilised egg.

There are different types of copper IUDs. The T-Safe copper IUD is registered for a 10-year use. Both the Multi-Safe short copper IUD and the Ballerine copper IUD are registered for a 5-year use. 

Of course, you can also have all spirals placed for a shorter period, for example between pregnancies.

With a copper IUD, you maintain your own menstrual cycle. Possible side effects you can expect during the first three months after insertion include: a longer and/or heavier menstruation, abdominal cramps and intermittent bleeding. After this, the natural cycle recovers. In some cases, blood loss may increase slightly. 

Hormonal coil
The hormonal IUD gradually releases a small amount of hormones and causes the mucus in the cervix to become ‘tougher’, making it harder for sperm to pass through it. The release of the hormone levonorgestrel in the uterus makes sperm cells less mobile; this reduces the chances of conception. In addition, the endometrium does not build up much, if at all. This prevents any fertilised egg from implanting. Finally, in some women, ovulation is sometimes suppressed. If no egg is released, fertilisation cannot take place.

There are two different types of hormone coils: the Mirena and the Kyleena. The difference is in the size: the Kyleena is slightly smaller and therefore also releases a little less hormones. Both spirals are equally reliable. The Mirena offers up to 8 years of protection against pregnancy and the Kyleena up to 5 years.

Of course, you can also have these spirals placed for a shorter period, for example between pregnancies.

Side effects that may occur with the hormonal coil include more/less blood loss during menstruation, intermittent bleeding or absence of menstruation. In addition, headaches, abdominal pain and back pain are also common, as well as vaginal discharge and inflammation of the labia or vagina. 

Placement
An IUD can be placed from 12 weeks after childbirth. If you are breastfeeding, it is preferable to have the IUD placed from 14 weeks after giving birth.

If you have never given birth before, we prefer to place the IUD during your period, as your cervix will be somewhat open. This facilitates the placement. In addition, we then know that there is no pregnancy at that time.

It is normal to experience abdominal cramps or a nagging feeling in the lower abdomen after IUD placement. This is usually short-lived. In addition, during the first three months after placement, you may experience some irregular and/or extra blood loss and abdominal cramps.

The coil must be positioned correctly in order to work optimally. If you have had a coil fitted by us, we offer a check-up at the practice after six weeks. During this check-up, we use a duckbill speculum to check whether the threads are visible and at the correct length. If this is the case, we can assume that the coil is in the correct position in your uterus. 

If we do not see them, we will use an ultrasound to check the location of the coil in your uterus. If you prefer an ultrasound instead of an internal examination, this is also possible. However, this ultrasound is usually not covered by your insurance and costs €20.

Cost
The Mirena or Kyleena IUD is €150 and the T-safe €79.95. If you have supplementary insurance, in most cases you are eligible for reimbursement for the IUD by the insurer. The placement itself is reimbursed by your insurer anyway.

Remove spiral
If you want to have your IUD removed, you can also come to us. After IUD removal, you are immediately fertile again.