The insertion of the spiral

introduction

The spiral is a T-shaped structure that can be used for contraception. There are two versions, one as a copper or as a hormone coil. In contrast to other methods of contraception, the IUD must be placed in the uterus by the gynecologist.

Inserting the IUD is generally a straightforward process. Especially women who have completed family planning or those who want long-term contraception like to use the IUD as a contraceptive.

When do you use an IUD?

The insertion of the IUD (hormonal or copper-containing) is open to women of all age groups provided certain criteria are met. Some restrictions on use result, for example, from illnesses or previous ectopic pregnancies.

However, these can be discussed or clarified with the doctor in advance. Many women. Those who decide to use an IUD, both the copper and the hormone IUD, strive for long-term contraceptive protection.

As a rule, depending on the model, the IUD can be used as a contraceptive method for approx. 3-5 years. It then has to be replaced by a new model at the doctor's. Women who have already completed family planning also like to fall back on the spiral.

The copper IUD is a good alternative for women who want to avoid taking hormones from medication. In contrast to the contraceptive pill, both spiral variants do not have to be taken daily. It is therefore also suitable for women who are rather unreliable in taking their pill or who simply do not feel like taking a contraceptive or drug every day.

How does the copper coil work after it has been inserted

The copper in the coil ensures the contraceptive effect. After the coil is inserted into the uterus, copper ions, which are tiny particles, are released. These have an inhibitory effect on the sperm. Furthermore, the composition of the mucus in the uterus and fallopian tubes is changed by the copper ions. This also makes it difficult for the sperm to “access” the egg cell.

How does the IUD work after it is inserted?

The hormonal IUD looks very similar to the copper IUD. In contrast to this, the hormone IUD contains a supply of hormones in its plastic frame. After insertion, the IUD delivers these directly to the lining of the uterus.

The hormone release ensures that the mucus in the cervix "thickens”. The viscous mucus makes it difficult for the sperm to get to the uterus. In addition, the hormones have an inhibiting effect on the structure of the uterine lining.

With the hormone IUD, the released substances only work locally or in the uterus. In contrast to the birth control pill, the affected women continue to ovulate.

Read more about the hormone IUD under: Mirena spiral

How does the insertion work?

The insertion of the copper or hormone coil is done by the gynecologist. The time of menstruation or the last days of the menstrual period is best suited for this. This may sound a bit unusual, but it is because the cervix is ​​a little wider during the period, making it easier to insert the IUD into the uterus.

In addition, the risk of pregnancy during an existing menstrual period is the least likely. After inserting the IUD, the length of the retrieval threads, which are special threads attached to the IUD, is adjusted by the doctor.

At the end they should be so long that they protrude into the upper part of the vagina. This enables the woman to feel the threads herself. After placing the copper or hormone coil, the correct position is checked with an ultrasound. A new position check is carried out by the gynecologist 4-6 weeks after the insertion of the IUD. Appointments for inspection are then agreed every six months.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of inserting an IUD?

advantages

There are both advantages and disadvantages to inserting or using a copper or hormone IUD. With the insertion of the copper IUD, there is the possibility of hormone-free contraception.

The women are not dependent on daily tablet intake and, moreover, do not have to deal with the subject of contraception for many years. As a rule, the coil remains in the uterus for several years.

If there is a desire to have children, after removing the copper coil, pregnancy can occur with fertilization in the subsequent cycle.

One benefit of the IUD can be its effect on menstruation. In many women, this occurs much less frequently or irregularly after the onset. Due to the local effect of the hormones, the hormonal IUD can also be used in women who are not allowed to take birth control pills due to certain risks.

Another plus point, like the copper coil, is its long-term effectiveness. For many years women no longer have to strive for contraception. Furthermore, the IUD offers an advantage for women who are intolerant to estrogen preparations, since they only release progestins.

You may also be interested in the following article: Postpone your period by the pill

disadvantage

Disadvantages of inserting the copper IUD include pain in the abdomen and back, which usually show up some time after inserting it. The menstrual period can also change under the copper IUD: it can last longer, be more pronounced or be associated with pain.

The opposite phenomenon can occur with the hormonal IUD. The menstrual period is usually weakened and occasionally it is so weak that the woman hardly notices it. Some women find this uncomfortable or annoying.

Furthermore, the release of hormones can lead to side effects. Although these are less common than with the birth control pill, they can be particularly noticeable in the first few months. These include headaches, acne, a feeling of tension in the breasts, etc.

Occasionally, the copper or hormone coil is also washed out with the menstrual period. Because of this, regular checks by the gynecologist and also by the women themselves by feeling the withdrawal thread in the vagina are necessary.

Young women in particular are advised by the doctor to carry out regular tactile checks, as they are more often affected by the washouts than older patients. In rare cases, the copper or hormone coil can lead to an infection, with discharge, fever, or abdominal discomfort or pain.

If the symptoms just mentioned occur, a visit to a doctor is strongly recommended. The risk of an ectopic pregnancy is also slightly increased if a pregnancy occurs under the IUD. If, after inserting a copper or hormone coil, there is no menstrual bleeding or symptoms in the lower abdomen, an appointment with a gynecologist is always advisable.

How long does it take to start?

Inserting the IUD, regardless of whether it is a copper or a hormone IUD, usually only takes a few minutes. Usually there is another brief discussion with the doctor beforehand. The time required is on the whole small and averages around 15-30 minutes.

Who is inserting a copper IUD not suitable for?

Women who have changes in the uterus such as myomas or tumors are not candidates for an IUD.

In the case of inflammation of the abdomen or an ectopic pregnancy, the IUD is not the appropriate contraceptive. Also with certain blood clotting disorders (see: Blood coagulation disorder) or an allergy to special contents of the IUD should not be used.

To clarify the criteria that may speak against the insertion of an IUD, it is best to consult a gynecologist for advice.

How safe does it protect against pregnancy?

The copper IUD is one of the safest contraceptives on the market. The rate of unplanned pregnancies with the use of a copper IUD is around 0.4-1.5%. The copper IUD is thus roughly in the same safety range as the birth control pill.

The hormone coil also offers very safe protection. The percentage of women who nevertheless became pregnant is 0-0.5%.

costs

The copper coil usually costs between 150-300 euros. The hormone IUD is a bit expensive at around 250-400 euros. Both coils are a service that must be paid for by the patient.

The price includes a consultation with a gynecologist, an examination of the uterus and ovaries and the insertion of the copper or hormone IUD.

In turn, the costs for the first check with the ultrasound device are covered by the statutory health insurance. Further check-ups then have to be carried out by the women themselves. If you have private insurance, the costs may differ. Here it is worthwhile to clarify with the cash register in advance whether (partial) cost coverage is offered.

Read more about the costs of the IUD below: What does the IUD cost?