intrauterine devices

• Small devices made of plastic, often containing copper, inserted into uterus
• Fine nylon threads that extend through cervix into upper vagina 

  • Allow woman to check it is still in place
  • Allow for easy removal by doctor 

  Can be removed at any time, fertility returns quickly
• More than 99% effective 

  • Retained over long periods of time 
• Hormonal IUD

  Plastic frame with core slowly release progestogen hormone levonorgestrel 
• Hormonal IUD

  Works by releasing hormone at steady rate

  • Making lining of uterus thin and unsuitable for implantation 
  • Stimulates cervix to produce thick mucus 
  • Can stop ovulation altogether in some woman 
• Hormonal IUD

  Protection for 5 years
• Copper IUD

  Plastic frame with copper sleeve / wire around it 
• Copper IUD

  Work by inhibiting movement of sperm - prevent from moving through uterus 

  Cause changes to endometrium - stop egg from implanting
• Copper IUD

  Effective up to 10 years