Intra Uterine Contraception

Insertion

It is important that this should be done in the first half of the menstrual cycle when the woman is certain she is not pregnant. A detailed history should be taken from the woman to exclude any contra indications to insertion and to establish whether it may be easy or difficult with subsequent discomfort if it is difficult. If insertion is to take place without prior consultation, then a telephone consultation is useful to discuss these issues in advance. The woman may obtain the device from the General Practitioner and bring it for insertion. The advantage is that the device is prescribed free of charge by the NHS but is paid for privately.

If the woman has never been pregnant or has never delivered a baby vaginally then the insertion may be more difficult and painful. Nevertheless, we see many young women who have never had a birth who have a successful and relatively painless insertion. It is useful to take 1milligram (2 tablets of Paracetamol) 1-2 hour before the scheduled insertion. It is important to determine the position in which the woman is lying before insertion determine the angle of insertion. We do this using transabdominal ultrasound in every case. We use a local anaesthetic jelly during insertion. There are three discomfort points for a few seconds during the insertion. The first is when the cervix is grasped in an instrument to steady the position of the womb. The second is when a small instrument is passed through the cervix to verify the position of the womb. The third is when the device is inserted. After insertion the threads on the end of the device are trimmed. Usually the woman rests on the couch for five or ten minutes after the insertion. As a minimum we use ultrasound to check the position of the device just after insertion. She can then usually go home and expect menstrual discomfort for a day or two. She is warned that there may be a little extra vaginal bleeding, usually with a period, for a few months after an insertion. This may be a little more painful than normal, but it is worth seeing how it goes before opting for removal. After six weeks the woman should attend for an ultrasound scan to verify the position is correct. The woman can also be taught to check the threads by self-examination.

It is important to remember that an IUCD may not protect against an ectopic pregnancy although we have never seen such a case.

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations, a full refund of your appointment fee will be given with 24 hours notice. If less than 24 hours notice of cancellation is given, a £50 cancellation fee will be applied. Our full terms and conditions can be found here: Terms and Conditions

Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG Antibody blood test £100

The Birth Company is now able to offer the Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG Antibody blood test, at a cost of £100. If you would like to have this blood test performed whilst attending for your ultrasound scan appointment, please let us know ahead of your appointment in order to allow for a longer appointment time and to take payment over the telephone using our secure payment portal.

For more information about the test, please follow this link to The Doctors Laboratory website. TDL Pathology