IUD (Copper coil)

Question 1

Action

Answer 1

Copper acts as spermicide and also causes intrauterine inflammation

Question 2

Treatment course

Answer 2

Lasts for 5 years

Question 3

Side effects

Answer 3

Coil insertion risks - infection in first 3 weeks, bleeding, perforation (1 in 1000), expulsion (5%), vasovagal (1 in 10)

Periods may be heavier

Question 4

CI

Answer 4

Pelvic infection, PID < 3 months, gynae cancer, small uterine cavity undiagnosed PV bleeding, allergy to copper

Question 5

Comments

Answer 5

Check for string monthly
STI checks before inserting
Put in anytime if not had sex since last period, or within first 5 days of start of period
If fitted > 40 can stay in place until menopause

Question 6

Positives vs negatives

Answer 6

+ can forget about it

- heavy periods