Birth Control Contraception - Vida Verloskundigen & Echopraktijk

An IUD is a flexible, plastic device (2 to 3,5 cm long) that is placed inside of your uterus by a midwife or doctor to prevent pregnancy.

There are two strings attached to the IUD that will hang through your cervix. These strings are necessary in order to later remove the IUD. There are two types of IUDs: the hormone-free copper IUD, in which copper is wrapped around the plastic device, and the hormonal IUD, in which hormones (levonogestrel) is added into the device.

When can an IUD be inserted?

An IUD can be inserted 10 to 12 weeks after giving birth. After a c-section an IUD can be inserted after 12 weeks. If you have never given birth, the IUD is ideally inserted within 7 days of the first day of your menstrual period. It is then immediately effective at preventing pregnancy. If the IUD is inserted at another point during your menstrual cycle, then you must use an additional method of contraception (condoms) for the first 7 days after insertion.

What is the insertion procedure like?

The insertion of an IUD takes place in our main location in Reigersbos. We start the consultation by explaining the insertion procedure (for more information you can visit https://spiraalplaatsen.nl). The insertion can be a sensitive procedure. We therefore advise that you take 2 paracetamol (1000mg) or 1 ibuprofen (400mg) 1 hour prior to your appointment. If you are breastfeeding, please take paracetamol (1000mg). For the insertion procedure it is best if your bladder is not completely empty. Prior to the appointment you must pick up the IUD yourself at the pharmacy and bring it with you to the appointment. You may feel some aching in your lower abdomen after the insertion. This is usually for a short period. You may also experience irregular blood loss for the first few months.

Hormonal IUD: Mirena or Kyleena

Both IUDs contain one hormone: levonogestrel, a type of progestin. Small amounts of this hormone are continuously released in the uterus. The lining of the uterus does not sufficiently build up and becomes unsuitable for pregnancy, and the cervical mucus becomes tougher making the passage of sperm difficult. Sperm cells that are able to enter the cervix and uterus become inactive and have very little mobility. This decreases the chances of fertilization. For some women ovulation is suppressed. If no egg is released, fertilization cannot take place. If fertilization does occur, the fertilized egg is unable to implant due to the unsuitable uterine lining.

Advantages

Very effective contraception 99%;
5 years of protection against pregnancy;
Gradual and continuous release of hormones, without daily peaks or dips;
Can be used while breastfeeding;
Fertility returns quickly after removal;
Majority of women (75%) maintain their natural cycle;

Disadvantages

There may be changes to menstruation;
You are unable to regulate your menstrual period;
There is a chance of intermittent blood loss;

Copper IUD: T-safe or Etherena

T safe

The T-safe is a T-shaped copper intrauterine device (IUD). This is a hormone-free contraception method. The T-safe works in the same way as other copper IUDs. The copper ions demobilize the sperm, preventing fertilization of the egg.

The lining of the uterus also changes when using the T-safe IUD so that any potentially fertilized egg can not implant in the uterine wall.

Duration: The T-safe can be used for up to 10 years. The T-safe is immediately effective after insertion.

Costs: The T-safe costs € 70.96

There are both advantages and disadvantages, Just as with any other copper IUD.

The T-safe offers immediate protection after insertion. In this way it can also be used as a “morning after” IUD (emergency contraception) if it is inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex.

After removing the T-safe you are immediately fertile again.

Advantages

Very effective contraception 99%;
5 years of protection against pregnancy, T-safe is effective for up to 10 years
Does not contain hormones;
Can be used while breastfeeding;
Fertility returns quickly after removal;
Majority of women (75%) maintain their natural cycle;

Disadvantages

There may be increased and/or irregular blood loss and abdominal cramps during the first 3 months after insertion;
There is a chance of longer-lasting increased blood loss during menstruation. Around 15% of women experience more blood loss than prior;
You cannot schedule or skip your menstruation;

More information?

If you would like more information about the different types of contraception you can refer to the links below or contact one of the midwives.