Instructions for using the services
Read more
IUD — hormonal and non-hormonal IUD
The IUD is an effortless and long-term method of contraception with excellent effectiveness. Discuss the different IUD options with your gynaecologist, as the choice of IUD depends on individual factors.
Customer service and booking
010 414 0200 (local network rate/mobile charge)
Prices for appointments with specialists, such as gynaecologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, orthopaedists and ophthalmologists, can be found in our appointment booking service.
Take into account in the price list
The price estimate includes the Kanta fee and the outpatient fee.| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Appointment with a specialist, 20 min Price per appointment. | from 99,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 129,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 114,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 142,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 172,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 20 min | from 109,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 139,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 30 min | from 114,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 20 min | from 117,70 € Without Kela reimbursement from 147,70 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 20 min | from 112,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 142,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 20 min | from 115,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 145,20 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 30 min | from 134,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 164,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 20 min | from 111,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 141,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 122,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 122,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 159,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 60 min Price per appointment. | from 140,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 180,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 45 min | from 138,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 168,80 € |
Specialist in the article
LT, Naistentautien ja synnytysten erikoislääkäri
Revised 12/20/2024
Contraceptive IUD in a nutshell
- An intrauterine device (IUD) is a method of contraception that is inserted in the uterus. It is designed for both women who have and have not given birth.
- The contraceptive effect lasts 3–10 years, depending on the product.
- There are hormonal IUDs that contain progestin and non-hormonal copper IUDs.
Our gynaecologists help you choose an IUD
The IUD is a method of contraception that provides long-term and effective protection against pregnancy. It is particularly suitable for those who want long-term contraception without having to remember to take a pill every day. The contraceptive effect of an IUD inserted during menstruation starts immediately and lasts for 3–10 years, depending on the product.
Talk to your gynaecologist about the best IUD option for you. The choice of IUD depends on individual factors, such as your health and the amount of menstrual bleeding. The size and structure of the uterus should also be examined by a gynaecologist before choosing or inserting an IUD.
Hormonal IUD
The hormonal IUD is the most effective contraceptive IUD and its useful life is 3–8 years, depending on the product. Hormonal IUDs come in two different sizes and with three different levels of hormone content. The hormonal IUD is suitable for most people who cannot use other hormonal contraceptive methods due to, for example, the risk of blood clots, migraine with aura or diabetes.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, the hormonal IUD can be used to treat diseases. The hormonal IUD can be used, for example, to treat heavy and painful periods and endometriosis, or as part of hormone replacement therapy during menopause. An IUD containing 52 mg levonorgestrel with an 8-year useful life is the most effective for treating heavy periods.
Non-hormonal IUD or copper IUD
A copper IUD is an excellent method of contraception if you prefer a non-hormonal option. It is particularly suitable for people who cannot use hormones, for example after breast cancer. Copper IUDs are available in different sizes and shapes. Their useful life is 5–10 years. A copper IUD increases the amount of menstrual bleeding, which is why it is usually not suitable for people with heavy periods.
Steps of IUD insertion
IUD insertion is a quick procedure performed at a gynaecologist’s appointment. The gynaecologist performs an internal examination and usually an ultrasound examination as well. The insertion of the IUD in the uterus usually takes a few minutes.
If you are nervous about attending an appointment with a gynaecologist or having a gynaecological examination, please mention this to your gynaecologist. We will do our best to make the gynaecological examination and treatment as pleasant as possible.
Before inserting the IUD, the following should be considered:
- Pregnancy. The possibility of a pregnancy must always be ruled out before an IUD is inserted. A reliable mode of contraception must be used at least until the IUD is inserted.
- Sexually transmitted diseases. The possibility of sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, must be ruled out before the insertion of an IUD.
- Inflammation. Gynaecological infections should be treated prior to IUD insertion.
You can bring an IUD to your appointment or purchase one during your appointment. Our clinics sell the most common types of IUDs.
It is recommended that the IUD be inserted within one week of the start of your period, i.e. towards the end of your period, or immediately after your period has stopped.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding. If you have very heavy periods, the IUD should not be inserted until you have nearly or fully stopped menstruating.
- No periods or irregular periods. If you do not experience menstruation at all or if your menstrual cycle is irregular, you should discuss with your gynaecologist to arrange a suitable time for inserting the IUD.
- Hormonal contraceptive. The IUD can be placed at any stage of the cycle if you are using a hormonal contraceptive such as birth control pills or a contraceptive implant.
- Postpartum. The IUD can be placed 6–12 weeks after childbirth, when the uterus has recovered sufficiently and the post-delivery bleeding has stopped. The IUD can be inserted during a postpartum check-up.
The IUD is inserted in the uterus, which may cause temporary pain or discomfort. The pain can be reduced by taking painkillers 1–1.5 hours before the procedure. A suitable dose of painkillers is 600–800 mg of ibuprofen and 1 g of paracetamol, for example. A local anaesthetic can also be administered before the procedure, if necessary.
The IUD strings hang down about 1–2 cm from the cervix into the vagina. You do not need to do any routine check-ups of the strings on your own, as they often retract into the cervical canal and can be difficult to feel with your fingers.
Sick leave is usually not required after the procedure, but you should reserve some time for resting. The IUD may initially cause some spotting and pain. The gynaecologist will give you more detailed instructions on how to monitor your symptoms and advise you on when to see a doctor.
The contraceptive effect of an IUD placed during menstruation starts immediately. In other cases, your gynaecologist will advise you on the need for additional contraception.
Check-up appointments after the insertion of an IUD will be planned with your gynaecologist. The check-up appointment includes a discussion about how well the chosen contraception has worked for you. After the check-up appointment, our gynaecologist will determine the appropriate appointment interval for you.
Contact your doctor before your check-up appointment if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain that is not relieved by painkillers
- Heavy and bloody discharge
- Bleeding due to IUD placement is prolonged or suddenly increases
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Fever
IUD removal
The IUD is removed when its useful life ends, if it causes significant symptoms or if you decide you want to become pregnant. The IUD can be removed at any stage of your menstrual cycle. If you are unsure of the current phase of your menstrual cycle and you do not wish to become pregnant, a condom should be used as a method of contraception for one week before the removal of the IUD.
Once the IUD is removed, its contraceptive effect ends and your normal level of fertility is restored. You can try to become pregnant right away.
Prices for appointments with specialists, such as gynaecologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, orthopaedists and ophthalmologists, can be found in our appointment booking service.
Take into account in the price list
The price estimate includes the Kanta fee and the outpatient fee.| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Appointment with a specialist, 20 min Price per appointment. | from 99,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 129,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 114,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 142,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 172,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 20 min | from 109,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 139,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 30 min | from 114,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 20 min | from 117,70 € Without Kela reimbursement from 147,70 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 20 min | from 112,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 142,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 20 min | from 115,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 145,20 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 30 min | from 134,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 164,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 20 min | from 111,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 141,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 122,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 122,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 159,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 60 min Price per appointment. | from 140,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 180,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 45 min | from 138,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 168,80 € |
Gynaecology-related problems
Endometriosis
A gynaecological disease in which tissue that resembles the endometrial mucosa exists outside the uterus.
Lower abdominal pain in women
The most common causes for lower abdominal pain are either intestinal or gynaecological.
Ovarian cyst
An ovarian fluid-filled sac is often harmless and asymptomatic, but may sometimes require surgery.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and fever.
Urinary tract infection
A need to urinate frequently and a burning sensation or pain when urinating.
human papilloma virus (HPV)
a good tendency to heal, but it should be monitored so that the infection does not persist and progress to cancer.
Frequently asked questions about contraceptive IUDs
The IUD is an intrauterine method of contraception that provides long-term and effective protection against pregnancy. There are several types of IUDs available, and they are suitable for women of all ages, whether they have given birth or not. IUDs are available in both hormonal and non-hormonal versions.
The useful life of IUDs for contraception varies. Hormonal IUDs remain effective for 3–8 years, depending on the product, and copper IUDs are effective for 5–10 years.
It is recommended that the IUD be inserted within one week of the start of your period, i.e. towards the end of your period, or immediately after your period has stopped. However, it is possible to insert the IUD at any stage of the menstrual cycle if contraception has been taken care of before this.
The contraceptive effect of an IUD placed during menstruation starts immediately. In other cases, your gynaecologist will advise you on the need for additional contraception.
The IUD is suitable for all ages and there is no age limit for its use.
Getting pregnant with an IUD is very rare, but possible. An IUD or any other method of contraception is not 100% reliable. A pregnancy test is recommended if you notice symptoms suggestive of pregnancy, abnormal pain or changes in menstrual bleeding.
