Accessibility Tools

Copper IUD Request Form

You have been directed to this form because you have asked about having a copper (hormone- free) intrauterine device (coil). Please read it carefully and fill in the sections that need completing, and you will be contacted with a date to attend for fitting.

Background

What is a copper IUD and how does it work?

The IUD is a plastic T shaped device with copper wound around the stem and arms. 

The device works by preventing implantation of a fertilised egg, and because copper is directly toxic to sperm.

How long does it last for?

The copper IUD used at Bradley’s is licensed for 5 or 10 years. if fitted after the age of 40 it is often left in until menopause (‘the change’). 

What are the benefits of a copper IUD?

  • Contraception – the IUD is a very reliable contraceptive with failure rates of less than 1 in 100. You don’t have to remember to take a pill, and it isn’t affected by other medication or vomiting/diarrhoea
  • The copper IUD is the only reliable non hormonal form of contraception other than sterilisation that is on offer. Unlike sterilisation the effects are not permanent if you change your mind
  • The copper IUD may be associated with a reduced risk of cancer of the womb or cervix

What are the potential problems with a copper IUD?

  • After the first insertion of a copper IUD your periods are likely to be heavier and perhaps more painful than they were before. This will often improve over the first 3-6 months
  • Ectopic (‘tubal’) pregnancy – pregnancy rates are very low in women who have a copper IUD, and the overall risk of an ectopic pregnancy is low, but if a pregnancy does happen it is more likely to be in the tube than for a woman who does not have an IUD fitted. For this reason if a woman becomes pregnant with an IUD in place they should tell their doctor straight away so that a scan can be arranged, and if they have a positive pregnancy test and develop worsening pain in the lower tummy they should seek medical help straight away. If the pregnancy is in the womb and the plan is to continue it you are usually advised to have the IUD removed but this increases the miscarriage risk
  • Complications of IUD insertion:
    • It is common to get a bit of bleeding and cramping pain immediately after insertion – this should settle in a day or two
    • Expulsion – the risk of the IUD falling out or being pushed out by the womb is said to be as high as 1 in 20 and commoner in the first year. I do not find this to be so common in my experience
    • Infection - if you develop any symptoms of infection, particularly smelly discharge, temperature or worsening pain in the lower abdomen after the IUD is inserted you should let the surgery know via the duty doctor system. Infection is rare but we need to be aware of it as a possibility. Sometimes IUDs that have been in place a while can have a type of bacteria on them called ‘ALO’ bacteria – these usually don’t cause any problems but can be seen on a smear result. They only require the IUD to be removed if they are causing pain or discharge.
    • Damage to the womb during insertion – this is rare (around 2 per 1000 insertions in studies, higher if you are breast feeding). Generally it is obvious if it happens, and the womb will heal itself after the IUD is removed. Occasionally it isn’t recognised at the time and the device moves within the tummy, and very occasionally it has to be removed by a gynaecologist

Who can’t have a copper IUD?

The IUD is an option for most people, but there are a few for whom it is not suitable. Do you have any of these conditions? 

Please select yes or no for each one:


Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Swabs to make sure there is no chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection

Chlamydia is a common sexually shared infection that often causes no symptoms. Gonorrhoea is less common but again often causes no symptoms. Both cause infection at the cervix (the neck of the womb), and there is a risk that if an IUD is inserted through a cervix that is infected then the infection can be spread into the womb and tubes and cause a pelvic infection – and there is a risk that if so it can affect your future ability to get pregnant.

Both infections can be detected using a single vaginal swab which you take yourself.

A swab doesn’t have to be done before an IUD is inserted unless you are in a group where there is a higher risk of infection being present – remember it often causes no symptoms. If you are in one of the following groups you will need to take a swab before we can arrange for you to have an IUD fitted:

  • Under the age of 25
  • Having a new sexual partner within the last 3 months
  • Having more than one sexual partner in the last year
  • Having a regular sexual partner who has other sexual partners
  • Having previously had a sexually shared infection (eg chlamydia)
  • Having previously been a sexual contact of someone diagnosed with a sexually shared infection
  • Using drugs or having problems with alcohol

Invalid Input

If you answer yes we will arrange for you to have a swab to take a sample before your IUD insertion appointment.

The swab packet contains two cotton bud swabs – you only need to use one of them, insert it into your vagina and swizzle it round 5 times. Then place the swab in the tube and break it off at the black line on the swab handle. Close the tube and attach the sticky label from the form to the tube, adding the date that you have taken the swab. Return it to reception in either Mold or Buckley. Results take about a week to come back. We need an up to date phone number to contact you on if the result is positive so please check we have this when you bring the swab in. If it is positive then you and any sexual partners will need a course of antibiotics, and will be advised to have a follow up check at a sexual health clinic.


Invalid Input

Timing of insertion

Copper IUDs can be inserted at any time in the cycle if it is reasonably certain the patient is not pregnant. It is effective immediately.

Please answer the following questions:

Invalid Input
Invalid input
Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Invalid Input
Invalid Input

Changing from another method of contraception

Do any of the following apply:


Invalid Input

Invalid Input
Invalid Input

Invalid Input
Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Patients wanting replacement of an existing IUD

If your IUD is nearing the end of its 5 or 10 years then we can replace it but you must use extra protection (condoms) or avoid sexual intercourse for the 7 days before the change date in case there is a problem fitting the new device.


Invalid Input
Invalid Input

Other ways to reasonably exclude pregnancy

An IUD can be placed at another time in your cycle if you have not had sexual intercourse since day 1 of your last period.


Invalid Input

A note about the threads

The copper IUD has thin threads attached to the bottom that are used when it is time to remove the device. The threads are left so that they can be seen and felt at the cervix – you shouldn’t be able to feel them unless you feel your cervix, and your partner shouldn’t be aware of them. To check the IUD hasn’t moved it is advised that you check the threads are there after each period. The easiest way to do this is to feel inside your vagina towards the small of your back – you should feel your cervix inside, it is a smooth rubbery round structure with a hole in the middle, the threads come through the hole. If you can’t feel them, don’t panic – they are usually there - but use additional contraception and contact the surgery so that a doctor or nurse can have a look and check. If the threads are not seen then we advise ongoing use of extra precautions and arrange a scan to look for the IUD in the womb.

What about if I want the IUD removed?

If you want the IUD to be removed then you can book a normal 10 minute slot with Dr James in Buckley. However, if you don’t want to be at risk of pregnancy you must have been using an alternative form of contraception for at least 7 days beforehand. Because the heavier bleeding that happens in the early days with a IUD usually improves with time you will be encouraged to persevere for at least 6 months before it is removed for bleeding reasons.

What happens now?

The doctor or nurse will review your answers on this form and work out when the best time to fit a copper IUD for you will be. You will be contacted with a date – please let us know as soon as possible if you aren’t able to keep the appointment so we can offer it to someone else.

Please fill out the consent form below and press submit. We will then contact you with a date for insertion. Coil fitting clinics are held in the Mold surgery on Thursdays

Please bring a urine sample to your appointment.

 

Patient agreement for fitting of a copper IUD

Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
/ / Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input

Links

Contact Us

  • 0345 900 7851

  • For all prescription enquiries please use the following email address:
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • For all Administrative enquiries please use the following email address:
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • For all private work enquiries please use the following email address:
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Please do not use this email for emergencies or clinical requests.

Opening Hours

Buckley Medical Centre:
Monday - Friday:        8 am – 6.30 pm
Saturday - Sunday:    Closed

Glanrafon Medical Centre - Mold:
Monday - Friday:        8 am – 6.30 pm
Saturday - Sunday:    Closed