Who Can Get It

Can I get an IUD?

A doctor or nurse will ask about your medical history to check if you can get an IUD (intrauterine device), also called a copper coil.

You may not be able to have an IUD if:

you think you might be pregnant
you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or pelvic infection
you have problems with your womb or cervix, such as fibroids or cervical cancer
you have unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex

If any of these apply to you, speak to the doctor or nurse about your contraception options.

Getting an IUD after giving birth

An IUD can sometimes be fitted within 48 hours of giving birth. But you'll usually be advised to wait until 4 weeks after birth to have an IUD fitted.

It's possible to get pregnant starting from 3 weeks (21 days) after giving birth. It's important to use another form of contraception, such as condoms, until your IUD is fitted.

IUDs and breastfeeding

It's safe to have an IUD when you're breastfeeding, and it will not affect your baby or your milk supply.

Getting an IUD after a miscarriage or abortion

You can get an IUD straight after an abortion or miscarriage. You'll be protected against pregnancy straight away.

IUD and medicines

An IUD is not affected by other medicines, including prescription medicines or herbal remedies.

Sexual Health Advice

Throughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:

	This item was in brought to you association with NHS website. Follow the links above for more information and don't forget to check out OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health which features items on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. This week our topic is: L - Lung Cancer.
Photos: OutUK and LightFieldStudios.