If you are looking for a reliable form of birth control, that you don’t have to remember to take each day, won’t interfere with your sex life, and won’t have long-term effects on your fertility levels then an Intrauterine device might be for you.
Intrauterine Device is an example of one of the long acting contraceptives that can be used and it can be fitted by one of your GP’s at M3 Health.
What is the Intrauterine device and what does it look like?
Intrauterine device is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that can provide long term birth control. It is a T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus, where it releases the hormone progestin.
The Intrauterine device sits its inside the womb and and helps prevent any potentially fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the womb
How does Intrauterine device work?
Intrauterine device prevents pregnancy in two ways:
- Thickens the mucous in the cervix to prevent the sperm from reaching or fertilising the egg
- Thins the lining of the uterus and partially suppresses ovulation
How effective is Intrauterine device at birth control?
The Intrauterine device is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It’s also 100% reversible and easily removed by your GP
Who is not a suitable patient for Intrauterine device ?
Intrauterine device is not suitable for you if:
- You have or have had breast cancer
- You have uterine or cervical cancer
- You have liver disease
- You have uterine abnormalities that make placement difficult
How much does Intrauterine device cost at M3 Health Melbourne?
Click here to see the fees for Intrauterine device fitting / removal at M3 Health Clinics.You will need to pick up the Intrauterine device from the pharmacy before your appointment to fit the device.
How is Intrauterine device inserted?
The insertion takes approximately 30 minutes and is conducted by one of our experienced women’s health and fertility GPs. We have a special room set up for fitting the Intrauterine device and your GP will explain the procedure to make you feel reassured and comfortable.
All of our female GPs who offer Intrauterine device insertions have undergone extensive training in all aspects of women’s health and also have shared care obstetric rights with the local hospitals so you can be sure you are in safe hands.
The procedure is like getting having your pap smear .We use a local anesthetic spray to the cervix before fitting the Intrauterine device . We recommend that you take some pain relief before you come which can help with any mild discomfort after the procedure.
Which M3 clinics offer Intrauterine device insertion and removal?
Intrauterine device insertion and removal is available at the following M3 clinics:
Which GPs at M3 Health offer Intrauterine device consultation and insertion?
GPs that provide Intrauterine device consultation and fitting at M3 Health are:
Dr. Shonu Elizabeth Pariyaram | GP at M3 Health Bayswater
Dr. Madeleine de Haan | GP at M3 Health Hobsons Bay
Dr. Cecilia Akinloye | GP at M3 Health Bayswater
Intrauterine device Frequently asked questions
Can Intrauterine device cause weight gain?
According to the manufacturer of Intrauterine device – less than 5% of women experience weight gain after insertion.
What are the risks of having Intrauterine device?
Very occasionally if a patient has heavy bleeding following the insertion procedure, the Intrauterine device can be expelled, but this is rare. We recommend that you take over the counter pain relief on the day to reduce any discomfort following insertion.
How often does Intrauterine device need to be replaced?
The Intrauterine device needs to be replaced every 5 years
How easy is it to remove the Intrauterine device device?
When you are ready to fall pregnant, or the time is right for you, the Intrauterine device can be easily removed by your GP. It is a very quick procedure to remove the Intrauterine device and often you will feel no discomfort at all.