IUD (coil) and hormonal IUD in Vienna
The IUD (intrauterine device, or coil) is placed in the uterus (womb), where it provides contraception for three to ten years. There are two principles: copper works without hormones, while the hormonal IUD releases a progestogen and usually makes periods much lighter. Which one suits you depends mainly on your bleeding pattern.
When an assessment is worthwhile
An IUD is a good choice if:
Roughly speaking: with heavy periods, the hormonal IUD; with light periods and if you do not want hormones, the copper model. We clarify everything else in the consultation.
How it works in my practice
We go through how heavy your periods are, period pain, pre-existing conditions, your timescale for having children and your experience with hormones, and choose the model and size.
Measuring the uterine cavity and ruling out infection, fibroids and abnormalities. If necessary, a swab before fitting.
Ideally towards the end of your period. The fitting itself takes a few minutes. Taking a painkiller one hour beforehand is recommended.
Ultrasound after your first period, then once a year. I check the position and the threads and record the date when replacement is due.
What to expect afterwards
Cramping and spotting in the first few days are normal.
Copper: periods often become heavier and somewhat longer. Hormonal IUD: periods usually become lighter, and in some women they stop altogether. This is harmless.
After removal, fertility returns immediately, regardless of how long the IUD was in place.
Risks and limitations
Both types are very reliable. The differences lie less in protection than in bleeding pattern and side effects.
The IUD can move or be expelled, usually in the first few months.
In the first three weeks after fitting, there is a slightly increased risk of infection. Fever and increasing pain must be assessed immediately.
Very rarely, the wall of the uterus is injured during fitting. With the hormonal IUD, spotting, breast tenderness or mood swings may occur in the first few months.
Questions my patients ask me
Which IUD is right for me?
With heavy, painful periods, most women do better with the hormonal IUD. If you want to stay hormone-free and have normal periods, the copper IUD or the copper chain is a good choice.
Does the fitting hurt?
Briefly, similar to severe period pain. With a painkiller and in the last days of your period, most women find it quite bearable. A general anaesthetic is not required.
Can I use an IUD if I have not had children?
Yes. If the uterine cavity is small, I choose a small model or recommend the copper chain.
Will my periods stop?
With the hormonal IUD this is possible and medically harmless. With copper, your cycle is unchanged and periods tend to become heavier.
How often does the IUD need to be replaced?
Depending on the model, after five to ten years. I record the date in your notes and remind you at your annual follow-up.
How much does the fitting cost?
Depending on the product, the fitting costs between €480 and €600, plus consultation and follow-up. I am a private doctor without a health-insurance contract (“Wahlarzt”): you pay directly and submit the invoice to your health insurer.
Special focus on endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts; former head of the ZEM outpatient clinic at AKH Wien, more than 90 scientific publications.
Send an online request or give us a call. For an initial consultation with examination I allow 45 minutes; please bring any previous reports and a list of your medication.