Intra Uterine Device - IUD
IUD's are an extremely effective form of contraception. They come in two main types: either a Copper IUD, or a Mirena IUS.
Dr Susie Lawless is trained in the insertion of IUD's. This service is available for both patients from Amity Health Centre, and for patients from other medical centres.
If you would like to have an IUD fitted, you need to come for an intial appointment to discuss whether this is right for you, and to have some swabs taken. The fitting of the device may take up to 30 minutes. You will also need to have a follow-up check after six weeks.
Dr Susie Lawless is trained in the insertion of IUD's. This service is available for both patients from Amity Health Centre, and for patients from other medical centres.
If you would like to have an IUD fitted, you need to come for an intial appointment to discuss whether this is right for you, and to have some swabs taken. The fitting of the device may take up to 30 minutes. You will also need to have a follow-up check after six weeks.
Insertion of a Mirena Intrauterine System (IUS)
What is a Mirena?
A Mirena is a small device made from plastic that releases a small amount of progestagen which is inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy or to reduce menstrual bleeding. It is a very effective contraceptive with a failure rate of less than 1% (ie less than 1 in 100 women with a Mirena will get pregnant in a year). Once it is in place it will work for up to 5 years before it needs to be removed or changed. Once it is removed normal fertility returns immediately.
What will happen?
You will need to have been examined and had swabs taken prior to the day of the insertion. The doctor will normally do the insertion with the help of one of the practice nurses. She will examine you internally first and then insert a speculum into your vagina so she can see your cervix and will clean it with iodine. At this point if you wish anaesthetic can be injected into the cervix to make the procedure less painful, but for many women, particularly those who have had children, this is not necessary, and does make the procedure longer. The doctor will then apply a small clip to the cervix to hold it still. She will then pass a sound into the uterus to measure the depth, and may follow this with a small dilator if the cervix is tight. She will then pass the Mirena into the inside of the uterus with a plastic introducer, and remove the clip and speculum.
What will I feel?
It is normal to feel some discomfort when the cervix is stretched. For most women this is for a few seconds only and may be felt as a sharp pain as the sound and Mirena are inserted. Most women will get some cramping and bleeding for a few minutes to hours after the insertion. This can be treated with anti-inflammatory pain killers, which you can take before the insertion if you wish.
What happens after the treatment?
You will be asked to lie on your side for a few minutes in case you feel faint after the procedure. You will be given a pad to wear as there will be some bleeding. It is advisable to avoid tampons and intercourse for 48 hours after the insertion. You are likely to get frequent spotting for the first 3-4 months after insertion, but your periods will gradually become much lighter.
What should I look out for?
If you get problems with low abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, or pain during intercourse, you should attend promptly for a check, as these may be signs of infection. If you have any symptoms suggestive of pregnancy (missed period or irregular bleeding, sore breasts, nausea) it is also important to get a check up promptly. This is because the Mirena may not prevent a pregnancy lodging in the fallopian tube, and this is a medical emergency. The risk of this is very low (very much less than 1%). Occasionally the Mirena can be expelled by the uterus and fall out with a period. A few women get side effects such as mood changes and low libido from the progestagen hormone. Very rarely it is possible to have damage to the uterus occur during the insertion.
PLEASE ASK IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING THIS TREATMENT.
ONLY AGREE TO HAVE THIS TREATMENT IF YOU ARE HAPPY THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT IS INVOLVED, WHAT IS TRYING TO BE ACHIEVED AND WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS.
What is a Mirena?
A Mirena is a small device made from plastic that releases a small amount of progestagen which is inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy or to reduce menstrual bleeding. It is a very effective contraceptive with a failure rate of less than 1% (ie less than 1 in 100 women with a Mirena will get pregnant in a year). Once it is in place it will work for up to 5 years before it needs to be removed or changed. Once it is removed normal fertility returns immediately.
What will happen?
You will need to have been examined and had swabs taken prior to the day of the insertion. The doctor will normally do the insertion with the help of one of the practice nurses. She will examine you internally first and then insert a speculum into your vagina so she can see your cervix and will clean it with iodine. At this point if you wish anaesthetic can be injected into the cervix to make the procedure less painful, but for many women, particularly those who have had children, this is not necessary, and does make the procedure longer. The doctor will then apply a small clip to the cervix to hold it still. She will then pass a sound into the uterus to measure the depth, and may follow this with a small dilator if the cervix is tight. She will then pass the Mirena into the inside of the uterus with a plastic introducer, and remove the clip and speculum.
What will I feel?
It is normal to feel some discomfort when the cervix is stretched. For most women this is for a few seconds only and may be felt as a sharp pain as the sound and Mirena are inserted. Most women will get some cramping and bleeding for a few minutes to hours after the insertion. This can be treated with anti-inflammatory pain killers, which you can take before the insertion if you wish.
What happens after the treatment?
You will be asked to lie on your side for a few minutes in case you feel faint after the procedure. You will be given a pad to wear as there will be some bleeding. It is advisable to avoid tampons and intercourse for 48 hours after the insertion. You are likely to get frequent spotting for the first 3-4 months after insertion, but your periods will gradually become much lighter.
What should I look out for?
If you get problems with low abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, or pain during intercourse, you should attend promptly for a check, as these may be signs of infection. If you have any symptoms suggestive of pregnancy (missed period or irregular bleeding, sore breasts, nausea) it is also important to get a check up promptly. This is because the Mirena may not prevent a pregnancy lodging in the fallopian tube, and this is a medical emergency. The risk of this is very low (very much less than 1%). Occasionally the Mirena can be expelled by the uterus and fall out with a period. A few women get side effects such as mood changes and low libido from the progestagen hormone. Very rarely it is possible to have damage to the uterus occur during the insertion.
PLEASE ASK IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING THIS TREATMENT.
ONLY AGREE TO HAVE THIS TREATMENT IF YOU ARE HAPPY THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT IS INVOLVED, WHAT IS TRYING TO BE ACHIEVED AND WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS.
