INTRAUTERINE DEVICE INSERTION

Calgary IUD Clinic

IUD Clinic in Calgary

What Is An IUD?

An intrauterine device (IUD) can be a good option for many women, particularly those who are breast-feeding, or who cannot use estrogen-based methods because of cigarette smoking, migraine headaches, or hypertension. The IUD is a low-maintenance and reversible method of contraception. It works mainly by preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg. It can stay in place for 3-5 years, depending on the IUD. There are two types of IUDs available in Canada (Copper and Hormonal). Contact our Calgary IUD Clinic for more information.

A COMPARISON

INFO & FACTS

Flexi-T / Liberte

Copper IUD
5-10 YEAR DURATION
  • $~80 Available at your local pharmacy
  • 0% Levonorgestrel
  • 99.2% - 99.4% Effective
  • 1 in 100 get pregnant
  • Does not contain estrogen
  • In some cases decreases the risk of getting endometrial cancer
  • May increase menstrual bleeding & cramping by 10% - 20%
  • Effective contraception up to 7 days after unprotected sex

Mirena©

Hormonal IUS
5 YEAR DURATION
  • $~370 Available at your local pharmacy
  • 52mg Levonorgestrel
  • 99.9% Effective
  • 2 in 1000 get pregnant
  • Does not contain estrogen
  • May decrease endometriosis and precancerous cells
  • Decreases menstrual bleeding, sometimes stopping completely
  • Not effective emergency contraception

Kyleena©

Hormonal IUS
5 YEAR DURATION
  • $~350 Available at your local pharmacy
  • 19.5mg Levonorgestrel
  • 99.5% Effective
  • 2 in 1000 get pregnant
  • Does not contain estrogen
  • May decrease endometriosis and precancerous cells
  • Decreases menstrual bleeding, sometimes stopping completely
  • Not effective emergency contraception

Jaydess©

Hormonal IUS
3 YEAR DURATION
  • $~350 Available at your local pharmacy
  • 13.5mg Levonorgestrel
  • 99.5% Effective
  • 2 in 1000 get pregnant
  • Does not contain estrogen
  • May decrease endometriosis and precancerous cells
  • Decreases menstrual bleeding, sometimes stopping completely
  • Not effective emergency contraception
PHASED OUT - 2019

IU DEVICES

MORE INFO

Is Our IUD Clinic Right For You?

If you’re not sure which IUD to choose, or whether you should even consider an IUD, you’re not alone. The physicians at our Calgary IUD Clinic will help provide you with the information you need to guide you, as well as assist you in gaining confidence in your contraceptive (birth control) decisions.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC), as well as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), recommend IUDs as the first-line contraceptive choice for preventing pregnancy.

IUDs are quite simply, the most effective non-permanent method of birth control. Getting pregnant unexpectedly or at the wrong time in a woman’s life can be quite traumatic. Taking the big step towards effective contraception can allow you to focus on your personal and occupational goals, without any major surprises.

How Effective Are IUDs?

IUDs are the buzz right now, and for several good reasons.

  1. They are the most effective (>99%) of all the reversible contraceptive options available in Canada. Only permanent contraception (vasectomy, tubal ligation) is as effective.
  2. They are reversible. Once pulled, a woman’s fertility will resume immediately, though we counsel women to wait for their next cycle before attempting to conceive.
  3. They are forgettable. The pill, patch, ring, or injection methods rely on a woman’s memory. Forgetting to take/use the medication as prescribed can significantly reduce their effectiveness.
  4. They are long-acting. IUDs are effective for 3-5 years
  5. They are estrogen-free. Some women have medical conditions that prevent them from using estrogen-based treatments. IUDs are safe in these women.

If you need more information or would like to book an appointment, our staff would be happy to guide you. Our IUD clinic is associated with RAICE (Rapid Access IUD Centres of Excellence) and can see patients without a referral.

What Can I Expect for Pain?

Placement of an IUD will be associated with at least some discomfort or pain, though the experience is unique for each patient.

An Individual’s pain threshold, unique anatomy, pregnancy history, underlying medical conditions, and past experiences can all shape the experience with an IUD insertion. The timing of an IUD placement as well as the type of IUD can further influence discomfort and pain during an insertion.

In past years, there was less of a focus on pain interventions as the benefit of such interventions was controversial. However, better pain control with IUD insertion has recently become a hot topic on social media.

There are some things that can be done to help improve the overall experience. Here are some recommendations you might consider.

  • Timing the insertion of the IUD placement for when you are on your cycle (day 3-5 of your period)
  • Listening to music during the insertion
  • Bringing a close friend/companion for the insertion
  • Taking a dose of ibuprofen (600-800 mg) about 1-2 hours prior to the procedure
  • Using an anxiety- reducing prescription medication such as lorazepam (Ativan®) 30-60 minutes prior to the procedure
  • Requesting a prescription medication to help dilate the cervix
  • Freezing of the cervix with lidocaine
  • Using an inhaled anesthetic gas to help relax the body (Penthrox®); this is available at a cost to the patient.

These recommendations can be tailored to each individual patient. It is important to let our office know if you feel you have excessive worry about the IUD placement, or hope to explore any of these recommendations.

Have Any Questions or Concerns?