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IUD Insertion Ottawa

INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTION

Superior Contraception and/or Menstrual Regulation

IUD CLINIC

WHAT IS AN IUD?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective and low cost form of long-acting reversible contraception. Depending on the IUD chosen, it may offer benefits such as reduction in menstrual flow, cycle length and cramping. An IUD is a small, soft T-shaped device with a nylon string attached, which is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. IUDs are among the most reliable and convenient forms of contraception for women of all ages, from teens to breastfeeding mothers and women transitioning into menopause.

 

There are two types of IUDs available: hormonal and the non-hormonal copper IUD, and they are 99.8% effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 3-10 years. An IUD can be removed at any time, and fertility returns rapidly.

 

Together, we determine your IUD type based on your menstruation pattern, health history and personal preference.

MORE THAN BIRTH CONTROL

Hormonal IUDs can help prevent heavy and irregular periods in women of all ages. All IUDs decrease your risk of endometrial cancer.

HORMONAL IUD: MIRENA / KYLEENA

The Mirena or Kyleena IUDs are polyethylene T-shaped devices with a progestin (levonorgestrel) hormone contained within the stem.

 

How Does It Prevent Pregnancy?

  • The medication is slowly released over time. It prevents pregnancy by altering the endometrium, changing the cervical mucus to prevent the passage of sperm, and possibly inhibiting ovulation. 

  • Its failure rate is 0.09/100 patients Years (WY), the lowest of all contraceptive methods, and ectopic pregnancy rate is 0.02/100 WY.

 

Menstrual Regulation

  • One of the side effects of the levonorgestrel is thinning of the endometrial lining over time. For the first three months, most patients will have irregular, nuisance spotting while the endometrial lining is being thinned out.

  • At one year, 15-50% of patients are amenorrheic (do not have a period). The majority of other patients experience light bleeding every few months. Due to the effect of progesterone on the endometrium, patients who do continue to have periods have significantly decreased blood loss and less cramping than without the IUD.

 

Risks & Side Effects

  • Perforation (1/1000), infection (1/100) primarily in the first three weeks after insertion, expulsion (2-10%), and failure/pregnancy (0.2%). If a patient becomes pregnant with any IUD in place, the risk of the pregnancy being in an ectopic location is 15-20%.

  • Pain or dysmenorrhea, typically primarily in the first three months after insertion. This is often treated satisfactorily with Ibuprofen.

  • There are few hormonal side effects due to the low circulating concentration of levonorgestrel. The most common ones are breast tenderness, acne, and headache, which tend to be most noticeable in the first two to three months of use. Most patients are not bothered by these side effects. Rarely, women will experience mood changes; if these occur you should speak with you health care provider.

 

Cost & Duration of Use

  • Mirena and Kyleena can be left in place for minimum of 5 years, some people leave them in for 7 years. Talk to your provider to decide when you should change your IUD.

  • The Mirena or Kyleena IUD cost is approximately $450.00. Almost all drug plans cover the Mirena or Kyleena IUDs.

COPPER IUD: MONA LISA®

Mona Lisa® IUDs are plastic and copper T-shaped devices that come in multiple sizes, selected depending on the desired duration of contraception, the size of a woman's uterus and/or if she has had pregnancies in the past.

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How Does It Prevent Pregnancy?

  • The copper IUD prevents pregnancy by changing the environment of the endometrial cavity and altering sperm function. There are no hormones involved.

  • The copper IUD can be used as emergency contraception when used within 7 days after unprotected sex.

  • It is a very reliable method of contraception, with a failure rate of 1.26 per 100 patients-years (WY) and an ectopic pregnancy rate of 0.25 per 100 WY.

 

Menstrual Bleeding

  • Its presence will not alter the timing of your menstrual cycles, but may make your period slightly heavier and more crampy, especially within the first 3-4 months. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can help to control this.

  • Side effects include increased bleeding or spotting, especially in the first three months after insertion. Bleeding averages 13 days in the first month and decreases to 6 days per month at one year.

  • Up to 6% of patients will experience heavier more painful periods with the copper IUD. If you already have painful/crampy periods this is not the best option for you.
     

Risks & Side Effects 

  • Perforation (1/1000), infection (1/100) primarily in the first three weeks after insertion, expulsion (2-10%), and failure/pregnancy (0.6%). If a patient becomes pregnant with any IUD in place, the risk of the pregnancy being in an ectopic location is 15-20%.

  • Pain or dysmenorrhea, typically primarily in the first three months after insertion. This is often treated satisfactorily with Ibuprofen.

 

Cost & Duration of Use

  • It is good for 3-10 years.

  • Copper IUDs are very inexpensive, approximately $115.00 plus dispensing fee from the pharmacy. However, they are often not covered under drug plans.

IUD INSERTION APPOINTMENTS

WE AIM TO BOOK NON-URGENT IUD INSERTIONS WITHIN 4-6 WEEKS

All emergency contraception IUD insertions need to be booked within 5-7 days from the day of your unprotected sex. Please bring this to our attention when you book your appointment and we will do our best to accommodate you.
 

Placing an IUD only takes a few minutes, but you will need extra time in our clinic for the following:

  • IUD counselling and answering any questions you may have;

  • Urine pregnancy test to confirm that you are not pregnant;

  • Time to allow local anesthetic (lidocaine jelly applied to the cervix) to take effect;

  • Post-placement rest for up to 15 minutes.

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