Types of IUD's

An IUD is a very reliable form of contraception that can be easily combined with breastfeeding. There are two types of IUDs: the hormone-free copper IUD (T-Safe) and the hormone IUD (Mirena and Kyleena).

We can place all types of IUD's for you at The Ultrasound Center. The advantage of this is that we check whether it fits correctly immediately after placement by means of an ultrasound.

Hormone-free IUD

A copper IUD is hormone-free contraception and gradually releases a little copper. Copper paralyzes the sperm cells entering the uterus and makes them inactive so that fertilization cannot take place.

A copper IUD also works as a morning-after IUD if it is placed within five days after unsafe sex. The copper IUD makes the uterine lining unsuitable for the implantation of a possibly fertilized egg.

The T-Safe copper IUD is very reliable, hormone-free and registered for 10 years of use.

Of course, you can also have all IUDs placed for a shorter period, for example between two pregnancies.

With a copper IUD you maintain your own menstrual cycle. Possible side effects that you can expect during the first three months after placement include: longer and/or heavier menstruation, abdominal cramps and interim bleeding. After this, the natural cycle recovers. In some cases, blood loss may increase slightly. Please refer to the T-Safe website for an overview of the side effects.

We will arrange a prescription for the copper IUD for you at a central pharmacy. The coil is then delivered to our practice. This happens after you have paid via a payment link from the central pharmacy.

If you have additional insurance, in most cases the IUD will be reimbursed by your health insurer. If you do not have additional insurance, the costs for the spiral are at your own expense.

The T-Safe IUD costs approximately €70.

Hormone-containing IUD

The hormone IUD gradually releases a small amount of hormones and ensures that the mucus in the cervix becomes 'tougher', making it more difficult for sperm cells to pass through. Due to the release of the hormone levonorgestrel in the uterus, the sperm cells become less mobile; this reduces the chance of fertilization. Due to the release of hormone and because the IUD is a "foreign object" in the uterus, the endometrium is not or hardly built up. This prevents any fertilized egg from implanting. Finally, ovulation is sometimes suppressed in some women. If no egg is released, fertilization cannot take place.

There are two different types of hormone IUD's: Mirena and Kyleena. The difference is in the size: the Kyleena is slightly smaller and therefore releases fewer hormones and is registered for 5 years of use. The Mirena is often used in women who have heavy periods and is registered for use for 8 years. Both spirals are equally reliable.

Of course, you can also have both IUD's placed for a shorter period, for example between two pregnancies.

Side effects that may occur with the hormone IUD are more/less blood loss during menstruation, intermediate blood loss or absence of menstruation. In addition, headaches, abdominal pain and back pain may also occur, as well as vaginal discharge and inflammation of the labia or vagina. Consult the package leaflet Mirena or Kyleena for an overview of the side effects

We will arrange a prescription for Mirena or Kyleena for you at a central pharmacy. The IUD is then delivered to our practice. This happens after you have paid via a payment link from the central pharmacy.

If you have additional insurance, you are in most cases eligible for reimbursement from the insurer. The Mirena or Kyleena IUD costs approximately €150.

IUD placement

For the IUD placement by us at Het Ultrasound Center, it is important that you are sure that you are not pregnant and do not have an STD. If this is not the case, please contact us first.

The appointment takes approximately 20 minutes. We start with an internal examination or internal ultrasound to check the position and size of your uterus. The cervix is ​​made visible using a speculum (duck's bill). The uterus is then measured and the IUD can be placed. Inserting the IUD itself takes a few minutes. After placement, an internal ultrasound is done to check whether the IUD is properly seated.

The placement can be sensitive, so we advise you to take one ibuprofen (and possibly two paracetamol tablets) about an hour in advance.

An IUD can be placed from 12 weeks after delivery.

If you have never given birth, we prefer to place the IUD during your period, because your cervix is ​​then slightly open. This makes installation easier. In addition, we then know that there is no pregnancy at that time. In all cases, we immediately check whether the IUD is seated correctly after installation using an ultrasound.

It is normal to experience abdominal cramps or a nagging feeling in the lower abdomen after an IUD placement. This is usually short-lived. You may also experience irregular and/or extra bleeding and abdominal cramps during the first three months after placement.

You can make an appointment for the placement of an IUD via the Ultrasound Center on the telephone number: 085-0230216

Installation costs

The costs of placing an IUD are reimbursed by almost every health insurer, even if you have the IUD placed by us.

Remove IUD

ADVICE AFTER IUD INSTALLATION 

 After placement you may experience some cramps for the first few days: for these complaints you may take a maximum of 6 x 500mg paracetamol or 3 x 400mg ibuprofen per 24 hours.

• The Mirena/Kyleena Is a reliable contraceptive for 7 days after insertion. Therefore, use protection during intercourse for up to 7 days after insertion. If the IUD is inserted within 7 days of your first menstrual period, it is immediately reliable. 

This coil may cause slightly more intermenstrual bleeding during the first few months.

After 3 to 6 months, your body adjusts to the IUD, and these symptoms often subside. Some women experience no bleeding at all, or only occasional bleeding, after a year or less. 

Theoperhoudende spiraal It provides immediate protection after insertion and may cause some increased bleeding during the first few months. After 3 to 6 months, your body adjusts to the IUD, and these symptoms often subside. For 30% of women, this IUD causes longer and heavier periods. 

We recommend avoiding sexual intercourse for the first two to three days after IUD insertion. It's also best to avoid using tampons for the first few days after insertion. 

• We often see IUDs expelled when using a menstrual cup. We advise against using a menstrual cup during your first period after insertion. If you use the cup afterward, first remove the vacuum seal and be careful not to touch the threads through the cup. Shortening the threads can be a solution.

When will you call us? 

Please note that you can always call with questions up to three months after the IUD has been inserted. After that, your GP will take over your care. If the following occurs within three months of the IUD being inserted, you should contact the Ultrasound Centre. If we are unavailable, call your own GP or the GP out-of-hours service immediately. 

• In case of heavy bleeding with clots and dizziness within 24 hours after placement.
• For abdominal pain that is not relieved by good pain relief (2 x 500 mg paracetamol every 4-6 hours) or 3 x 400 mg ibuprofen spread over 24 hours.
• In case of fever (temperature above 38.5 degrees Celsius), especially together with abdominal pain and changed discharge (smelly or change in color) within 21 days after placement.
• If the IUD comes out due to cramps during the first three months. (Keep the IUD!). 
• In case of persistent complaints that arise after the insertion of the coil.

Check-up after 6 weeks at the practice

We offer a standard telephone follow-up check. During this check, we'll discuss your experience with the IUD and any unusual circumstances. If not, we'll assume the IUD is properly positioned in your uterus. If there are any unusual circumstances, we'll invite you to our clinic for an ultrasound to verify the IUD is properly positioned in your uterus. A check-up at our clinic can be performed by a colleague ultrasound technician from our clinic. 

The telephone follow-up check is a recommendation, and that's why we offer it. You don't have to take advantage of this offer. If you do want to take advantage of it, we'll schedule this check-up immediately after the placement. You can also schedule an appointment later through our assistant. If you'd like an ultrasound without a medical reason, this is possible; we charge €25 for this.

 Replacement or removal

On www.spiraalcheck.nl You can register your coil for free and you will automatically receive a message when it needs to be replaced. 

The Mirena needs to be replaced after 8 years, the T-Safe after 10 years. All other IUDs are registered as contraceptives for 5 years.

If you would like to have your IUD removed or replaced (possibly before the maximum period), you can make an appointment at the practice. You'll be fertile again soon after having an IUD removed! Removal of your IUD at our practice is covered by your health insurer.