The initial side effects are cramping and spotting. The spotting usually lasts 3 to 14 days. Cramping is usually strongest the day of insertion, and tapers off within 24-48 hours. Infection is a potential side effect, that it minimized by treating higher risk women with one dose of antibiotics right after the insertion. If you are at higher risk for infection (i.e. several sexual partners within the past year, +/- history if STI), than a one time dose of antibiotics will be given after your insertion. Infection will present with fever, abdominal pain and foul smelling discharge within 2 weeks after insertion. Perforation of the uterus happens in 1/1600 people. This is most common in post part women. This would be detected on your post procedure ultrasound, and a referral to your local hospital would be necessary to remove the IUD. The uterus would heal itself within a few weeks, with no impairment to future fertility.

Copper IUD’s: can cause 30-50% heavier periods, 5% of women will expel the IUD within the first year.  Copper IUD’s traditionally have a nickel core, which can cause local irritation in those women with nickel sensitivity. In 2019, a copper IUD with a silver core was approved by Health Canada. It is hypothesized that the silver core IUD may cause less inflammation and bleeding in those nickel sensitive women. Integrated Health Clinic offers the choice of silver core copper IUD and the standard nickel core copper IUD.

Kyleena IUD’s: little to no hormonal side effects. Most women maintain ovulation, with very light periods.

Mirena  IUD’s: 5-10% of women will have some hormonal side effects (weight gain, acne, depression, breast tenderness) however most women will stop ovulating and lose their menstrual cycle.

As of April, 2024, all contraception is free in British Columbia (BC), for BC residents. This incudes all types of IUDs. A prescription will be issued during the IUD screening visit, and the IUD can be picked up from your local pharmacy.

For non- BC residents, costs are listed below:

• Copper IUD’s – $75.00 (provided in clinic)

• Kyleena and Mirena IUDs are prescriptions (pick up at pharmacy) and cost around $400.00.

*Often times the Kyleena and Mirena IUDs are covered under drug plans, but you need to check with your insurance provider.

For ALL patients, IUD appointment fees are as follows:

• IUD screening (pre-assessment -virtual/ 15 min) – $75.00

• IUD insertion fee (30 min)- $150.00

• IUD insertion fee (training day) – $75.00

• IUD removal (15 min) – $100.00

• IUD removal (training day) – $50.00

• IUD removal and insertion (30 min) – $200

• IUD removal and insertion (training day) – $100

• IUD follow-up visit (15 min) – $75.00

* screening pap tests and STI testing is available at visits for no additional charge

There are several Health Canada Approved IUD’s. The following chart lists those approved IUD’s that are offered and inserted at IHC.

Copper IUDs:

Liberte, FlexiT, Monalisa, NovaT

Copper IUDs are less expensive and have no hormones. They are very effective with about 1 in 100 people getting pregnant in a year. They usually make periods heavier, longer and sometimes more painful. There are no systemic side effects from a copper IUD, such as weight gain, mood changes, nausea, sore breasts, etc. Copper IUDs can have nickel cores or silver cores. It is estimated that 10-20% of women may have sensitivities to nickel, and is suggested a silver core copper IUD may not cause such dramatic increases in bleeding and cramping in those women.

Levonorgestrel hormonal IUDs:

Kyleena (19.5mg levonorgestrel) – 5yrs

Mirena (50mg levonorgestrel) – 5yrs

Kyleena 19.5mg – low dose levonorgestrel (progesterone releasing).  Most women will continue to have regular periods, but they are very light to perhaps just spotting. In studies, most people who use this dosage continue to ovulate, and have normal ovarian function. There are few systemic side effects, as the hormone dose is low and mostly contained to uterus.

Mirena 50mg – higher dose levonorgestrel (pregesterone releasing) About 10% of people will get the IUD removed for hormone side effects such as weight gain, mood changes or acne. Most people get some spotting in the first month or two after their Mirena has been inserted, but then period usually disappears for remainder of the 5 years. Often will inhibit ovulation completely.

Introducing the Ballerine® IUB

The Ballerine® IUB (Intrauterine Ball) is a newer, hormone-free intrauterine contraceptive designed to provide long-term, reversible birth control. Unlike traditional T-shaped IUDs, the Ballerine has a small spherical design made of 17 copper beads that form a flexible three-dimensional ball once inserted into the uterus. It works in the same way as other copper IUDs by releasing small amounts of copper, which affects sperm mobility and prevents fertilization. The Ballerine® IUB is over 99% effective and provides contraception for up to 5 years. 

One of the key advantages of the Ballerine® is its rounded, flexible shape, which is designed to better conform to the natural three-dimensional shape of the uterus. Because the device forms a small ball rather than rigid arms, it may adapt more comfortably to uterine contractions and reduce irritation to the uterine lining compared with traditional flat, T-shaped devices. The Ballerine is also smaller than many standard IUDs, which may make it a good option for some individuals seeking a more compact intrauterine contraceptive.

Please note that the Ballerine® IUB is not currently covered under the BC PharmaCare program, and patients are responsible for the cost of the device

Choosing the Right IUD

All IUDs are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and provide long-term, low-maintenance contraception. The best option depends on factors such as whether you prefer hormone-free contraception, how your periods are affected, and how long you want the device to last.

At Integrated Health Clinic, our naturopathic physicians can review your health history and help you choose the option that best fits your needs.