The IUD (IntraUterine Device) has become popular among women of all age groups especially since the availability of Jaydess and Kyleena, (the 'little sister' version of the Mirena) and the Levosert (the cheaper but equally effective version of the Mirena).

It is convenient, highly reliable, long term and easily reversible. It is also much cheaper per month than the pill, nuva ring, ortho Évra patch.

Depending on the specific hormonal IUD, they are effective rom 3-10years (see below). On the other hand, it requires a doctor for placement and for removal

In Belgium, the available hormonal IUD's are

  1. Mirena (multipara and 5 years; 147.57 euro's)
  2. Jaydess (nullipara and 3 years; 147.50 euro's)
  3. Kyleena (nullipara and 5 years; 147.57 euro's)
  4. Levosert (multi and nullipara and 5 years; 118.06 euro's)
  5. Levonortis (multi and nullipara and 5 years; 118.06 euro's)

Reimbursement is possible but variable. So please check with your insurance company.

They are available only with prescription

Advantages of hormonal IUD's

  1. Low maintenance involved, yearly check-ups
  2. High effectivity as a contraception device
  3. Absence (or at least reduced) periods
  4. Lessened menstrual pain even in women with endometriosis
  5. May over time result in the resolution of HPV cervical infections
  6. Quick return of fertility after removal

The placement preparation is the same for all IUD’s

  1. Timing: It is best done during your periods*; because insertion is generally easier and thereby less painful. Also this way you are sure that you are not pregnant
  2. Take an ibuprofen**, 30-60 minutes before your appointment
  3. In select cases, as decided by your medical provider, you may have to insert cytotec tablets in your vagina the night before your consultation.
  4. During your appointment, take a deep breath in and relax.
  5. It is normal to have abdominal cramps during the placement, this usually resolves after 15 minutes.
  6. Afterwards, you might feel light headed/dizzy so remain seated until you are asked to stand.
  7. A light sanitary pad will be provided by your medical provider
  8. You can generally go back to work and even exercise immediately afterwards
  9. It is best to avoid sexual intercourse, bathing or using a tampon the first 2 weeks. After which you may resume all activities
  10. Depending on when in your cycle the IUD is inserted, you may have to use backup contraception the first 2 weeks to avoid pregnancy.

With the hormonal IUD you can generally expect:

  1. In the first 2-3 days, you might experience bloody vaginal discharge ranging from brown to pink to red.
  2. There can be irregular vaginal bleeding during the months following placement
  3. After an average of 3 months, there ia an 80% chance of having no periods. If you do have a period, it's usually light and unpredictable such that a panty liner will do
  4. Light frequent adverse reactions are acne and greasy hair
  5. Rare adverse reactions are perforation of the uterine wall and depressive symptoms
  6. Please contact your provider if you experience heavy bleeding, persistent cramping after 1-2 days, or fevers

Removal

  1. 99% of the time, removal is quick and painless
  2. In 1% of the cases, the IUD strings are not easily reached. This can be because they were cut too short of the IUD had moved slightly over the years. In this case, removal may still happen in the office with special instruments or in an operating room during a hysteroscopy.

*it can also be placed outside of your periods, this can be discussed with your medical provider
**ibuprofen should be taken in a full stomach. If contraindicated then consider acetaminophen

Please call or contact me to schedule your appointment.