Intrauterine Device (IUD)

At Sexual Health North in Joondalup, we understand that you may need birth control you can set and forget. If you feel overwhelmed by the many contraception methods available, an intrauterine device or IUD might just be the right choice for you: safe, hassle-free and offering long-term protection against unplanned pregnancy.

IUD insertion Perth

Intrauterine device explained

An IUD or intrauterine device is a contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is usually done as a clinic procedure. It is important to know that there are two types of IUDs:

There are hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs:

Hormonal: This IUD contains a hormone called progesterone on the stem and releases a small dose of the hormone locally in your uterus every day to prevent pregnancy.
Non-hormonal: This intrauterine device contains a copper wrapped around its plastic frame. It works by preventing sperm getting to an egg and fertilising it.

IUD insertion is a straightforward procedure but must be performed by an experienced doctor. If you are living in the northern suburbs, or in Perth, Sexual Health North is conveniently located in Joondalup and our doctors perform this procedure on a regular basis. Get in touch to make an appointment.

IUD birth control

The six main reasons to get an IUD

Highly effective

IUD as a contraception method that has an effectiveness rate of over 99%. The chance of still falling pregnant when using an IUD is less than 1 in 100. The effectiveness can be compared to what you would achieve with a tubal ligation (getting your tubes tied). The big difference is that an intrauterine device can be easily removed and the process is reversible.

Convenient and foolproof

As a woman you might be juggling work, family commitments and whatever life throws at you. When it comes to contraception, you want convenience. Unlike oral contraceptive pills that you can forget, the IUD carries no such risk. . Using an IUD as your contraception may improve both you and your partner’s sex life by eliminating the risk of loss of spontaneity. Once inserted, an IUD can last up to 10 years depending on the type that you choose.

Suitable for most

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that IUDs are safe. It is a method suitable for most women who want a reliable form of contraception. If you are not keen on hormones or you can not take them for medical reasons, you can consider a copper IUD. Hormonal and non hormonal IUD are also suitable for women who can not take oestrogen-containing contraception because of certain contraindications. In general, both methods can be used in women of reproductive age, women who have never had children, women who are currently breastfeeding or women who want to fall pregnant in the future. If you have the IUD fitted after the age of 45, it can be left until you no longer need contraception or when menopause has occurred.

Hormonal IUDs are also one of the recommended methods of contraception for transgender men who would like some form of contraception or simply to control their monthly bleeds.

Cost-effective

Hormonal IUDs are covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia. It costs* around $6.60 if you are a Concession Cardholder and $41.30 if you are not. The copper IUD is not covered by PBS and normally costs between $70-$120. There will also be a consultation and insertion cost from the health professional. Unlike other methods, the IUD only involves an upfront cost, and it will last between 5 and 10 years. Some women who use hormonal IUDs might stop menstruating while the IUD is in place, reducing further costs related to menstrual products.

Rapid return to fertility

The IUD method is reversible and once removed by a healthcare provider, your fertility will return to your baseline very quickly.

Extra non-contraceptive benefits

It is estimated that around 1 in 3 women will experience heavy bleeding in their life. Hormonal IUD has proven to be an effective non-surgical method of treating heavy periods. It also helps to reduce menstrual cramps and has the potential of benefiting several gynaecological conditions in the long term such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids (depending on its location and size and degree of uterine distortion), and endometrial hyperplasia (uterine lining build-up) which can lead to the development of abnormal cells.

In case you have concerns about the procedure, we can reassure you that at Sexual Health North, Perth’s sexual health clinic for the northern suburbs in Joondalup, you are in capable hands.

An additional pain killer can help reduce any discomfort if you want. Call us to discuss your questions about IUDs or to make an appointment.

IUD risks

What are the disadvantages of IUDs?

The device might get expelled from your uterus usually during your period. This is why it is important to check that the IUD string is still in place, to make sure that the device itself is still there.

There is a very small failure rate with IUDs and if you were to fall pregnant with an IUD, then your device will need to be removed as soon as possible as it increases the risk of miscarriage. Although rare, there is also the risk of ectopic pregnancy (where the fertilised egg ends up in the fallopian tube), should a pregnancy occur.

During an IUD insertion, there is a small risk that the IUD might perforate the wall of the uterus.

There is also a small risk of infection in the 3 weeks following insertion.

With the hormonal IUD, women may get irregular bleeding and spotting in the first few months after insertion. Bleeding tends to settle down, with periods becoming shorter and lighter with time.

IUDs do not protect you against sexually transmissible diseases.

Contraception Perth

How do you get an IUD?

You will need a GP referral to have the consultation and IUD insertion. At Sexual Health North you are usually asked to make 3 visits:

The first appointment is usually to ensure you are suitable for the IUD method and we will ask questions about your general, sexual, and reproductive health. The doctor will ensure you have an up-to-date sexual health screen and cervical screening test along with any other relevant investigations if indicated. The doctor will also counsel you about all suitable methods of contraception and discuss IUDs in more detail. This is also your opportunity to ask questions.

The second appointment is your actual IUD insertion appointment. An IUD can be fitted any time in the menstrual cycle as long as there is no risk of pregnancy. A pelvic examination will be performed on the day to assess the size and position of the uterus. A speculum is then inserted to keep the vaginal wall apart. The IUD will be inserted through the cervix into your womb.

The procedure can be uncomfortable for some women, so you will be advised to take some painkillers beforehand. Additional pain relief can be given if you find the procedure too uncomfortable. We will go over this before your procedure.

The procedure itself normally takes about 5 minutes and you will be observed in the clinic to ensure you are well enough to go home. You will be given advice on symptoms to look out for in the following weeks that could indicate an issue with your IUD.

The third appointment is usually a post-insertion check-up to ensure positioning of the IUD and that all is well.

Call one of our friendly team members today to make an appointment for an IUD consultation. Sexual Health North, located in Joondalup (serving the northern suburbs of Perth) looks forward to helping you make the right contraceptive choice.

*Costings: Accurate at the time of writing, but subject to change (dd December 2021)

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3/5 Regent's Park Road,
Joondalup 6027

08 6119 9140

Opening hours

Monday : 8.30 am - 1.00 pm
Tuesday : Closed
Wednesday : 9.00 am - 7.00 pm
Thursday : Closed
Friday : 9.00 am - 7.00 pm
Saturday : 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
Sunday : Closed