IUD insertion (contraceptive method)

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a long-acting contraceptive method consisting of a small, T-shaped instrument made of flexible plastic that is inserted into the uterus via the vagina.

The objective of the IUD insertion is to prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching the egg.

Despite being a long-acting contraceptive method, this treatment is completely reversible, and patients regain their fertility whenever they decide to have it removed from the uterus.

The IUD device has an effectiveness rate of over 99%.

Types of IUD device

Mainly, we can find two types of IUD device, where the difference lies in the material and the mechanism used to prevent the fertilisation of the egg:

• Copper IUD: coated in pure copper, it produces a mild inflammatory reaction in the uterus to hinder the mobility and survival of sperm, meaning they fail to reach and fertilise the egg. This type of IUD is hormone-free and lasts approximately 5 to 10 years. Its main advantage is that its contraceptive method begins to work at the moment of its insertion into the uterus; its main disadvantage is increased bleeding and painful periods during the first few months.
• Hormonal IUD: it contains hormones, specifically a progestin called levonorgestrel. This type of IUD releases this progestin in small amounts to thicken the cervical mucus and thus prevent the passage of sperm. This type of device lasts approximately 3 to 8 years, and once placed in the uterus, it usually takes about 7 days to become effective, so it cannot be used as emergency contraception, unlike the copper IUD. As for its main advantage, it reduces pain and bleeding during periods, and in some cases, menstruation disappears completely. Its main disadvantage is that during the first few months, there may be cases of irregular bleeding and breast tenderness.

The decision to insert one device or another lies with the gynaecology specialist, who takes into account different factors regarding the patient, such as: their menstrual pattern, whether they have diagnosed gynaecological diseases, possible contraindications to using the copper IUD or the hormonal IUD due to its material and/or mechanism, and in some cases, the patient's preference may be considered.

It is mainly recommended for its over 99% effectiveness as a contraceptive method; on the other hand, it is also often recommended for women who suffer from heavy and painful menstrual periods.

It is also a good contraceptive option for those women who do not want to or cannot take the contraceptive pill.

This contraceptive treatment stands out for its high effectiveness and long duration and, above all, for being easily reversible.

When is an IUD inserted?

1. It can be inserted at any time during the menstrual cycle, but it is advisable to do so during menstruation.
2. It can be inserted following a vaginal delivery, miscarriage or induced abortion.
3. It can also be inserted during breastfeeding.
4. The IUD can also be inserted as emergency contraception, provided it is done within 5 days of unprotected sexual intercourse.

Looking for an effective, safe and convenient contraceptive method? The IUD could be your best option

Book your appointment now with one of our gynaecology specialists and schedule your IUD insertion quickly and easily.

Purchase service

On the agreed day at the hospital for the IUD insertion, the patient attends the gynaecology consultation where the procedure will be performed:

1. Before starting, the patient is provided with a gown and asked to lie comfortably on a gynaecological examination table. The gynaecologist first carries out a visual and manual examination of the vagina and uterus.
2. They then proceed to place the speculum to keep the vagina open and clearly visualise the cervix.
3. After completing the examination, the specialist cleans the cervix with an antiseptic solution to disinfect it.
4. A uterine sound, a measuring instrument called a hysterometer, is introduced to help the gynaecologist measure the size and depth of the uterus.
5. Following the examination and measurement of the cervix, the IUD device is inserted into the uterus. The IUD is introduced using an applicator tube that helps slide the instrument through the cervix; once inside, the arms of the device deploy so that it sits in a T-shape at the top of the uterus. The applicator tube is then removed.
6. Finally, the IUD guide threads that hang outside the vagina after the insertion of the device are cut. The specialist leaves about 2 centimetres of thread protruding from the cervix so that the device can be removed when the time comes. With this final step, the speculum is removed.
7. The gynaecologist performs a gynaecological ultrasound to confirm that the IUD is in the correct position. Once everything is verified to be in order, the procedure finishes.

During the IUD insertion process, patients usually experience a sharp but brief pain, like a cramp similar to those suffered during periods.

In some cases, the gynaecologist may apply a local anaesthetic to the cervix, and in other cases, they may prescribe an analgesic for the patient to take before coming to the hospital for the treatment.

The insertion procedure for an IUD device lasts approximately between 5 and 10 minutes.

Despite being a reliable, effective and safe contraceptive method, an IUD insertion into the uterus carries both benefits and risks following the procedure:

Benefits of the IUD

• It has an effectiveness rate of over 99%.
• Convenient contraceptive treatment: you do not need to remember to take a daily pill.
• It is a long-acting contraceptive method.
• It is reversible: the patient quickly regains their fertility after its removal.
• It is compatible with breastfeeding.
• In the case of the hormonal IUD, it reduces menstrual bleeding and pain.

Risks of the IUD

• During insertion, the patient may experience pain, similar to cramps during a menstrual period.
• In the days following the insertion of the device, the patient may suffer from light bleeding.
• The risk of infection is uncommon, but a pelvic infection can occur within the first 20 days of having the IUD.T
• here is a small probability (between 2% and 5%) that the body rejects and expels the IUD.
• Another very rare risk is uterine perforation, where the IUD device penetrates the uterine wall, requiring a surgical intervention to remove it.

The price of the IUD insertion with Operarme is 130 €. 

Below is the breakdown of everything included in the cost of this medical procedure at Operarme:

• Medical fees.
• Outpatient stay.
• Surgical material required for the medical procedure.
• Gynaecological consultation for performing the procedure.
• Gynaecological ultrasound.
• Insertion of the IUD device.
• IUD device not included in the price.

To undergo your contraceptive treatment and request an appointment with our gynaecology specialists, click on the "Purchase service" button and schedule your appointment for the IUD insertion:

Looking for an effective, safe and convenient contraceptive method? The IUD could be your best option

Book your appointment now with one of our gynaecology specialists and schedule your IUD insertion quickly and easily.

Purchase service