Intrauterine device (IUD)

An effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception

The IUD is a small, T-shaped device that is placed in a woman's womb and provides contraceptive protection for up to ten years.

The IUD is a long-acting, reversible method of contraception (LARC). Long-acting methods of contraception all have the advantage that, once in place, you don’t need to think about them until they need replacing and none of them interrupt sex.

A woman can use an IUD whether or not she's had children. IUDs are also straightforward for a trained provider to insert and remove, which can generally be done at any time.

Effectiveness

99% - If one hundred women used the IUD for a year and carried on with their normal sex life then only one of those women would fall pregnant during that period.

Availability

IUDs are available at all of our clinic locations.

Pricing

Please contact our team for more information about pricing.

If you're starting to use contraception for the first time, or thinking about using a new method, it's a good idea to have a full consultation.

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Find our locations that offer contraception and family planning services

Advantages of an IUD

There are plenty of advantages for using an IUD as an effective way to prevent pregnancy.

Both types of IUD (hormonal and non-hormonal) offer the following advantages:

Easily inserted by a trained Marie Stopes provider
Effective immediately
Easy to use - nothing to remember after insertion
Can be easily removed
Works as soon as it's put in
Fertility returns immediately after it’s removed
It does not interrupt sex.

These benefits come from the correct use of the IUD when inserted by a trained provider. If using an IUD you should also make sure to follow any product manufacturer instructions.

Other methods of contraception at a glance

Oral contraceptive pill

The contraceptive pill is a short-acting contraceptive method.

Contraceptive pills contain hormones, similar to those naturally produced by a woman’s body. The pill needs to be taken at the same time every day to effectively prevent pregnancy. It’s ability to prevent pregnancy depends on a person using it correctly.

Condoms

Male and females condoms are a barrier contraception method for preventing pregnancy and STIs.

When used correctly, condoms are highly effective. Condoms are also the only contraceptive method that protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and syphilis.

Contraceptive implant

The implant is a highly effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It consists of either 1 or 2 small plastic rods that are placed in the upper arm and, depending on the product used, is effective at preventing pregnancy for 3 to 5 years.

Injectable

The injectable or contraceptive injection is an effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It works by releasing a hormone that stops eggs being released by the body. Injectables are highly effective, lasting 2 to 3 months (depending on the type used), but women must remember to return for another injection around this time or risk not being protected from pregnancy.

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is a permanent, irreversible contraceptive solution for women.

It is suitable for women who are sure they don't want anymore children.

The method involves a short surgical procedure, performed by a highly trained doctor that prevents a woman's eggs and the man's sperm meeting, so a pregnancy can't occur.

Vasectomy

A surgical procedure for providing a permanent contraceptive solution for men.

A vasectomy is a contraceptive method suitable for men who are sure they don't want anymore children.

It's a popular method of family planning chosen by millions of men worldwide. It's safe, effective and offers a permanent solution to contraceptive needs.