Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)

What is an intra-uterine device?

An intra-uterine device (IUD) is placed inside the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy.

At SHINE SA two types of IUD are available:

• Hormonal IUDs (Mirena and Kyleena) are made of plastic and release a small amount of the hormone progestogen into the uterus.
• Copper IUDs (Load and Copper T) are made of plastic and copper.

IUDs are a type of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC). This means they prevent pregnancy for a long time without you needing to remember to take or use contraception every day or every time you have sex.

LARCs are the most effective forms of contraception (over 99% effective) and are suitable for most people. They do not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future. Once your IUD is removed, your fertility returns straight away.

How do IUDs work?

Copper IUDs stop sperm from reaching an egg and change the lining of the uterus, making it hard for a fertilised egg to attach.

Hormonal IUDs thicken the mucus at the cervix (neck of the womb) to block sperm from entering. They may also stop ovulation by changing the hormones that cause an egg to be released each month.

IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The best way to reduce the risk of STIs is to use condoms.

How can I get an IUD?

If you’re thinking about getting an IUD, you’ll first have an appointment to discuss which type is best for you. An IUD may not be suitable for everyone, so another type of contraception may be recommended.

If an IUD is right for you, you can book an appointment to have it inserted by a trained clinician. You may need to buy the IUD beforehand and bring it to your appointment.

What are the benefits of having an IUD?

• Very effective and long-lasting: IUDs are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
• Copper IUDs work for 5 or 10 years, depending on the type
• Hormonal IUDs work for 5 or 8 years, depending on the type
• ‘Set and forget’ method: Once inserted, you don’t need to do anything to stay protected against unintended pregnancy.
• Easily removed: An IUD can be taken out at any time by a trained
• Fully reversible: Your fertility returns to normal as soon as the IUD is removed.
• They are safe to use if you are
• No medications stop them from
• Copper IUDs (Load and Copper T) can also be used as highly effective emergency contraception.
• The Mirena IUD can help treat heavy menstrual bleeding.
• The Mirena IUD can also be used as part of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).

What are the side effects?

Most people use IUDs without problems, but some side effects and complications can happen including:

• The IUD may move out of place or come
• There is a small risk of a pelvic infection in the first 3 weeks
• after insertion. This can be treated with antibiotics.
• Very rarely, the IUD may damage the wall of the uterus during
• There is an extremely small risk of an ectopic pregnancy, which happens when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.

Copper IUDs may cause spotting, heavier periods or periods that last longer, especially in the first 3–6 months.

Hormonal IUDs may cause irregular bleeding or spotting in the first 3–5 months. After 12 months, many people have very light bleeding or no bleeding at all. This is normal and not harmful.

Hormonal IUDs can sometimes cause acne, headaches, breast or chest tenderness, or changes in hair. These side effects are usually mild and improve over time.

Hormonal IUDs have not been shown to cause weight gain. They may cause ovarian cysts, which are usually harmless and go away on their own.

Who should not use IUDs?

An IUD may not be suitable for people who:

• have a current sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• have unusual vaginal bleeding (this should be checked by a doctor)
• have a uterus that is an unusual shape or large fibroids (growths in the uterus).

A copper IUD may not be the best choice if you have:

• heavy periods
• anaemia (low levels of healthy red blood cells) or low iron
• endometriosis (a condition that can cause pain, especially during periods).

A hormonal IUD is not recommended for people with current or past breast cancer.

When can an IUD be inserted?

• Hormonal IUD: Ideally, during the first 5 days of your period, starting from the first day of bleeding.
• Copper IUD: Ideally, during the first 12 days of your menstrual cycle.

If you have an IUD inserted at another time, your healthcare professional will check that you are not pregnant first. If you are switching from another type of contraception, they will advise you on the best time to have your IUD inserted.

To make the procedure more comfortable:

• Take a period pain medication (such as Nurofen, Ponstan or Naprogesic) about one hour before your appointment.
• Have something to eat and drink plenty of fluids before your appointment.

When does the IUD start working?

Copper IUD: Works immediately.

Hormonal IUD: Works immediately if inserted during the first 5 days of your period.

If a hormonal IUD is inserted at another time, you may need to use another form of contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days. Your healthcare professional will advise you when your IUD will start working.

When can an IUD be used after childbirth?

An IUD can usually be inserted from 4 weeks after giving birth. A healthcare professional can advise you on the best time.

What should I do after getting an IUD?

Your IUD has two fine threads, called strings, that extend through your cervix (the opening to your uterus) into the top of your vagina.

Check your strings about 1 week after insertion.

If you have a copper IUD, check them after each period.

Gently feel high inside your vagina with clean fingers to check for the strings. You do not need to check them if you feel uncomfortable doing so.

Contact your doctor or SHINE SA if you cannot feel the strings, they feel longer than usual, or you can feel the hard plastic part of the IUD. Use condoms or another form of contraception until a healthcare professional checks that your IUD is in the right place.

When should I contact a healthcare professional?

Contact your doctor or SHINE SA if you have:

• a fever or feel unwell
• ongoing or severe cramps or back pain
• unusual pain in your lower tummy or pelvis
• unusual vaginal discharge or a bad smell
• pain during sex.

If you have a copper IUD and your period is more than a week late, take a pregnancy test or contact your doctor or SHINE SA.

You may be offered a check-up around 6 weeks after insertion. Contact your healthcare professional sooner if you have any concerns.

When can the IUD be removed?

A trained healthcare professional can remove your IUD at any time. If you do not want to become pregnant, avoid sex or use condoms for the 7 days before removal. This is because sperm may still be able to cause a pregnancy after the IUD is removed.

Where can I find someone who inserts IUDs?

You can use SHINE SA’s South Australian IUD Inserters List to find a trained healthcare professional who inserts IUDs outside of SHINE SA.

Updated October 2026