The contraceptive coil is a medical device that is fitted into the female uterus for contraceptive purposes. It is called “Intrauterine Device” (IUD) in English.
Today there are two different basic types of IUDs, which differ in their function. The product shown above is the copper coil. It consists of a plastic thread with a plastic coat which is wrapped in a fine copper wire. The copper coil is typically shaped like a “T”, but it also comes in the form of a frameless copper IUD, which resembles a chain.
You can easily make an appointment at VenusMed in Vienna. Either by phone on +43 1 890 80 70, via email at info@venusmed.at or by using our contact form below. We also give appointments at short notice!
The second type of IUD is the hormonal IUD. It is also called the intrauterine system (IUS). It is also T-shaped and made of flexible plastic.
Both types of IUDs are considered very safe methods of contraception because they have a high Pearl Index. The copper IUD has a Pearl index of 0.1 to 0.5 and the hormone IUD has a Pearl index of 0.16 to 0.33. If you have an IUD fitted, you do not have to remember to use a contraceptive regularly, so you cannot forget about contraception, as it may be the case with the pill, for example.
Effect of the copper IUD
The copper coil, which consists of a fine copper wire wrapped around a T-shaped plastic rod, provides completely hormone-free contraceptive protection. Instead, it works by constantly releasing a small amount of copper ions into the uterus. These inhibit the mobility of the sperm. Moreover, they prevent the implantation of fertilised egg cells. The use of copper in the uterus is a contraceptive technique that has been tried and tested for decades. In addition, if you have this hormone-free IUD removed, you can become pregnant again immediately after it is taken out. The copper IUD protects you immediately after fitting and usually for 3-5 years, depending on the type of the product.
Effect of the hormonal IUD
Like the progestin pill, the hormonal IUD provides its contraceptive effect with the hormone levonorgestrel. This type of IUD continuously releases small amounts of the hormone into the uterus. This inhibits the sperm’s activity and causes the mucous plug in the cervix to thicken. In turn, this prevents the sperm from entering the uterus. The hormonal IUD also reduces the build-up of the uterine lining. As a result, your menstrual period may be shorter, lighter, and less painful, or it may even stop completely. The hormonal IUD protects you immediately after fitting and usually for 3-5 years, depending on the type of the product.
Fitting & removal of the contraceptive coil
The contraceptive coil is fitted into the uterus using an applicator tube. Many women find the fitting process uncomfortable or painful, depending on their personal sensitivity to pain. But inserting the IUD is usually quick and the pain, which can be compared to menstrual cramps, usually does not last long. For patients who are particularly sensitive to pain, we also offer fitting an IUD under short anesthesia, so you would do not feel anything at all.
You can easily make an appointment at VenusMed in Vienna. Either by phone on +43 1 890 80 70, via email at info@venusmed.at or by using our contact form below. We also give appointments at short notice!
What is more, if it is in the right position, you cannot feel the contraceptive coil during sexual intercourse, as it is located inside the uterus. Only a small part of the transparent, soft plastic threads that are attached to the IUD hang into the upper area of the vagina. You should be able to feel the threads there with your fingers, which will help you to occasionally check if the IUD is still in the right position. However, your partner will not feel the threads during sexual intercourse. If, in rare cases, they might be a little too long, your doctor can easily shorten them. If you have a contraceptive coil fitted, you can continue to use tampons and menstrual cups as usual.
When it is time, your doctor will remove the IUD by using the threads to pull it out. This is usually done without any problems and only takes a very short time. In most cases, the removal is not perceived as painful.
Costs of the contraceptive coil
We offer a variety of IUD types from different manufacturers – please ask your doctor at VenusMed for more details.
| Service | Type | Length of contraceptive effect | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Safe 375 | Copper IUD | 5 years | 360 € |
| Multi-Safe 250 | Copper IUD | 3 years | 360 € |
| Gold IUD | Copper-Gold IUD | 5 years | 520 € |
| Gynefix | Copper IUD, shaped as a chain | 5 years | 560 € |
| Flexi-T | Copper IUD | 5 years | 360 € |
| Mirena | Hormonal IUD | 5 years | 520 € |
| Jaydess | Hormonal IUD | 3 years | 520 € |
Of course, we accept payment in cash and by debit- (Maestro) or credit card.
We offer a variety of IUD types from different manufacturers – please ask your doctor at VenusMed for more details.
Of course, we accept payment in cash and by debit- (Maestro) or credit card.
FAQs about the contraceptive coil
Hormone-free copper IUDs have a contraceptive reliability of 99% and hormonal IUDs have 99.6 – 99.8%.
Furthermore, depending on the type of the product, if you have an IUD fitted, you do not have to remember to take a contraceptive for 3 to 5 years – because once it is fitted, it does its job by itself.
The price for an IUD depends on factors such as the type and period of effectiveness of the product. At VenusMed, the costs for fitting a copper IUD are between 360 € and 560 € and 520 € for a hormonal IUD.
The most common side effects of the hormone-free copper IUD usually appear in the first period after fitting. These may be longer, heavier menstrual bleedings and spotting. These symptoms can persist for the first 3 to 6 months after fitting. However, this bleeding is not dangerous, and it will decrease over time until it will usually finally disappear in most women after 3-6 months.
Immediately after fitting, the hormonal IUD may cause pains which can be compared with menstrual cramps. Moreover, as with any other hormonal contraceptive methods, symptoms such as headaches, breast tenderness, nausea or mood swings may occur in varying frequencies. After the first year after fitting, your menstrual period might stop, which, however, may be an advantage for many women.
Terminology
For doctors, medical terms are important and a matter of course. However, the terminology can often puzzle patients. In our glossary we explain the medical terms which are often used in our clinic environment.
Contact
You can simply contact us by phone on +43 1 890 80 70, or via email at info@venusmed.at. From Mo-Fr between 11 am and 5 pm you can also directly come by VenusMed in the medical centre Schwedenplatz, Laurenzerberg 2, 1010 Vienna.