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There are two categories of IUDs available in Canada:

• Non-hormonal /Copper based IUD release copper into the uterus and prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from fertilizing an egg and reduces sperm movement.
• Hormonal /Progesterone based IUDs (Mirena and Kyleena) continuously release low levels of Levonorgestrel which is a progestin much like the hormone progesterone produced by the ovaries. Levonorgestrel thickens cervical mucous so sperm and ovum do not meet and also thins the lining of the uterus making it a good choice for woman with heavy periods.

The amount of hormone released daily varies on the type.

• Safe in breastfeeding.
• An IUD provides long-term contraceptive protective for three to five years which makes it the cheapest form of birth control available.
• You cannot forget it, skip it or mess it up. As long as it is in position in the uterus it works.
• It is also convenient, as you do not have to remember to take pills or apply patches or rings regularly.
• When you are ready to become pregnant, your healthcare provider can easily remove the IUD by pulling on the strings with no long-term effects on your fertility or future pregnancies.
• Because the IUD cannot be seen or felt, it's private and it's your choice to share information about the IUD if you choose.
• Reduced risk of blood clots in your blood vessels and lungs.
• In 60% of women using Mirena,  menstrual flow might become lighter or stop completely. It is an excellent treatment for woman with heavy periods.
• Does not cause hormone related facial pigmentation like chloasma or melasma.
• Very reliable birth control for women who are not allowed to get pregnant due to medical reasons viz. woman taking Accutane for treatment of acne.

• IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted disease.
• Hormonal IUDs may cause irregular bleeding and spotting which can take several months to settle. This is because the uterus can take time to adjust to the hormones. Ibuprofen or Tylenol can help reduce cramping and bleeding.
• Copper IUDs may cause irregular bleeding or heavier, longer and more painful periods. Usually this improves within a few months after insertion. If it persists or continues between periods, please see your healthcare provider.
• There is a slightly increased risk of infection within the first month of insertion. Because of design flaws in IUDS produced in the 1970s, there was significant concern about pelvic inflammatory disease. This is no longer an issue and IUDs have a very low rate of infection.
• It does not treat acne, prevent PMS or reduce painful ovarian cysts or ovulation pains. If you have trouble with these symptoms then the birth control pill, ring or patch would be a better option for you.
• Rarely (less than 1% of people) the IUD can perforate (injure) your uterus wall. This is not serious as most perforations heal on their own. There is an even rarer chance of needing minor surgery to remove the IUD from outside the uterus.
• Rarely (less than 1%) it can fall out  (expulsion). If you think the IUS has fallen out, avoid sex or use a back-up method, such as condoms until we can check you.

Step 1 - You will need a referral

Have your family physician or walk-in doctor request a referral. You can download our referral form and take it to your doctor. Generally, we will be able to offer you an appointment within one to two weeks once the referral is received. DOWNLOAD REFERRAL FORM

If you have already made your decision for a specific type of IUD, request a prescription from your family physician or walk-in-doctor, have it dispensed at your pharmacy and  bring this to your appointment.

Step 2 - Consultation 

The purpose of the first visit is to review the IUD options in more detail.  You will have the chance to ask any questions you might have.

Step 3 - IUD placement

Depending on your circumstances, we will discuss when would be the best time for an IUD placement. The placement only takes a few minutes, but we ask all women to rest for a few minutes afterward. The doctor will review things you should watch for after your IUD placement.

Step 4 - Follow up visit

A follow-up visit will take place 4-6 weeks after the placement. This will give you a chance to give feedback on how the IUD is working for you and answer any of your questions.  It will also allow the doctor to check you for any side effects and possible complications.

Step 5 - Support in your first year

We want to help with any issues or questions you might have in your first year of IUD use.  Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

The IUD/IUS is inserted during a simple procedure in the clinic at any time during your cycle. The IUD/IUS is placed inside your uterus, using a speculum to see the cervix. Most women feel a pinching feeling and then a cramping pain which lasts a few minutes. You may take an analgesic such as ibuprofen or naproxen before your insertion to help alleviate your cramps. We also suggest using a hot water bottle or heating pad. 

• Use an additional method of birth control for 7 days after your IUD insertion.
• Abstain from sexual intercourse, hot tubs and tampon use for the first 24 hours after insertion. These activities could introduce bacteria into the vaginal canal or uterus which increases your risk of developing an infection. Showering is safe. Use only sanitary pads for the first 24 hours after insertion. You may safely use tampons after the first 24 hours.
• Spotting, light bleeding or cramping may occur during the first few weeks after insertion - this is normal. If necessary, take Ibuprofen or Tylenol for mild cramping.
• Check your IUD thread/string daily for the first 4 weeks as this is the most likely time for an expulsion to occur. Thereafter, you can do a thread/string check once a month.

Book a follow up visit at the IUD clinic 4 -6 weeks after your IUD insertion.

If you experience any of the following immediately after insertion, contact the clinic immediately or go to Emergency:

• Fever
• Lower abdominal pain
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge, or increase in amount or color of discharge

If you experience any of the following any time after an IUD has been inserted, use condoms and contact the clinic immediately:

• String missing or seems long
• Period late (pregnancy), abnormal spotting or bleeding
• Abdominal pain, pain with intercourse

Remember: An IUD does not prevent sexually transmitted infections. Practice safe sex and always use a condom as well as the IUD.

If you choose to change contraceptive methods, wish to plan a pregnancy sooner or discontinue use, an IUD can be easily removed by a health care professional.

Removing an IUD is usually a simple process done by inserting a speculum and using the threads to slide the IUD out from the uterus through the cervix. Some users may experience some brief cramping during removal but usually not to the extent of cramping experienced during insertion.

If you don’t plan to become pregnant, abstain from vaginal intercourse for 7 days prior to removal or have begun a hormonal method at least 7 days prior to removal to minimize the risk of pregnancy.