Our phone lines are currently very busy, but please rest assured that we are here for you.
There are a number of ways you can get in touch with us.
Find out all you need to know about the IUD
The intrauterine device (IUD) (also known as the “coil” or “copper coil” or “copper T” or “loop”) is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that is fitted in the uterus (womb). It provides contraceptive protection for up to ten years.
The copper stops the sperm and egg from surviving inside the uterus and fallopian tubes, so sperm cannot fertilise an egg.
At MSI UK, we primarily offer contraception services as part of your abortion care. We also recently launched contraception-only clinics in a number of areas, meaning you can access contraception with us without having had a termination of pregnancy. Follow the link to find out more about our standalone contraception services.
Inserting an IUD is a simple procedure that takes about 5 minutes. A trained person inserts the IUD through the vagina. The IUD sits in the uterus and does not move from there.
There are threads attached to the IUD which sit in the vagina that assist with removal and allow you and your provider want to check the IUD is in the right place.
It is rare for the IUD to fall out or move. Most women can self-examine and feel the small, very thin thread attached to the end of the IUD which comes out of the cervix and into the vagina. When you have the IUD inserted make sure your healthcare provider shows you how to find the thread so you feel confident to find it again.
At MSI we offer anyone opting for an IUS or IUD a choice of three types of local anaesthetic, including: a gel, a spray and an injection, as well as the option of taking painkillers, such as ibuprofen, an hour or two before the procedure. We also always have another health care practitioner in attendance to support the client and ensure they feel comfortable and in control throughout.
Read our full statement on fitting intrauterine contraception (IUC) and pain relief.
Would you like to find out everything you need to know about the IUD in under two minutes? We've created this short explainer video, filled with information about the IUD:
The IUD works very well at preventing pregnancy.
The IUD is more than 99% effective. Fewer than 1 in 100 people will get pregnant in a year, depending on the type of IUD.
The IUD can also be used as the most effective method of emergency contraception, and can be fitted up to 120 hours or five days after unprotected sex.
Click here to find out more about how the IUD works as a method of emergency contraception.
As with all contraceptive methods, there are a range of advantages, disadvantages and potential side effects when using the IUD.
In the UK, you can make an appointment to have the IUD fitted or removed – and to access other LARC (Long-Acting Reversible Contraception) services, such as implant fitting and removal - at sexual health clinics, contraception clinics and some GP surgeries.
At MSI UK, we primarily offer contraception services as part of your abortion care. We also recently launched new contraception-only clinics in a number of areas, meaning you can access contraception with us without having had a termination of pregnancy. Follow the link to find out more: MSI UK Contraception Clinics
It’s important to know more about different contraceptive options so that we can support you as best we can. Our digital counsellor "Choice" helps you find the best contraceptive options for you. Fill out a questionnaire about your lifestyle, preferences, needs and medical history, and you'll see a list of the most appropriate contraception options for you.
LARC methods include the contraceptive implant, the contraceptive injection, and both coils (IUD and IUS). Click on the links below to find out more.
Find out all you need to know about the contraceptive injection.
Find out all you need to know about the intrauterine system (IUS).
EXIT SITE
