Contraceptive methods
Would you like to get more information about what contraceptive method fits your body and situation the best? Would you like to get an IUD placed with more care, get an ultrasound of it, or maybe get your IUD removed? At our midwifery practice in Geldrop and Mierlo we are here to help.
Contact us for a free consultation or read more on our page.
Which form of contraceptive fits you best?
There are several different forms of contraceptives available, there are contraceptives with and without hormones. Below we discuss the different, most commonly used forms of contraceptives. Would you like to do a test to see what type of contraceptive fits you best? Click here for the contraceptive choice test or check anticonceptie.nl.
Contraceptives without hormones
There are two types of contraceptives without hormones: the copper IUD and the condom.
- The copper IUD
The T-safe IUD is a copper bearing IUD without hormones. The copper inactivates the sperm cells making it impossible for fertilisation to take place. Your cycle remains as before. The disadvantage of a copper IUD is that your periods can get heavier. The advantage of a T-safe IUD is that you don’t have to think about your contraceptive each day. After placing the IUD, you don’t have to think of any other contraceptive for 10 years. If you wish to have children, it is possible to get the IUD removed at our practice. You will immediately be fertile again.
- The condom
This form of contraceptive does not contain any hormones. The condom is a safe method, if it is used properly. Think about the expiration date of the condom, the correct placement of the condom and checking the condom for any tears or holes. The advantage of using a condom is not only that it serves as contraceptive, but also protects you against a sexually transmitted disease.
Contraceptives with hormones
There are several forms of hormonal contraceptives: the pill, the mini-pill, the contraceptive injection, the contraceptive stick and the hormone IUD.
- The pill (combination pill)
This contraceptive pill must be taken daily with one ‘stop week’ each month. The menstruation is therefore plannable and can be postponed if desired. The pill contains both hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which supresses ovulation and temporarily prevents pregnancy.
- The mini pill / Cerzette
This pill must be taken at a fixed time each day and does not have a stop week. This makes it impossible to plan your menstruation. This type of contraceptive does not contain oestrogen and can therefore also be used while breastfeeding.
- The contraceptive injection
The contraceptive injection gets injected once every three months in your arm or glute. With this type of contraceptive, it is not possible to regulate your menstruation. The first months you can experience irregular blood loss and at one point your menstruation might stop completely. The disadvantage of the contraceptive injection is that it can take a while for you to regain fertility. The hormones stay in your body for a while, which can last to up to a year after the last injection.
- The contraceptive implant
This contraceptive method is placed under the skin, for example in your upper arm and is safe for three years. The contraceptive implant has to be placed by a trained doctor. The downside is that your periods cannot be planned. Some women don’t menstruate while others suffer from spotting in between periods.
- The hormone IUD
There are two different types of hormone IUD: the Mirena IUD and the Kyleena IUD. The difference between these two forms is that the Kyleena IUD contains less hormones that the Mirena IUD. The advantage of the hormone IUD is that you don’t have to think about contraception for 5 to 6 years. The hormones affect your cycle, which makes it possible that over time, your period stops. It is a safe method. The IUD can easily be removed at our practice if you would like to get pregnant.
For other types of contraceptive methods, we would like to refer you to your GP.
Contraceptive methods during breastfeeding
There are several different contraceptives which are safe to use while you are breastfeeding. Below is a summary. Would you like to receive advice about this? Feel free to contact us.
- The minipill / Cerazette
- The copper IUD
- The condom
Placing an IUD in our Midwifery practice
At midwifery practice ‘Vol Verwachting’ we place IUDs ourselves: both copper and hormone IUDs. It doesn’t matter if you have been to our practice before for your delivery or if you need to get your IUD replaced or have never had an IUD before, you are always welcome!
Do the next questions pop to mind?
- Is the IUD something for me?
- Where is the IUD placed?
- How is the IUD placed?
- Does the placement of the IUD hurt?
- What does the placement of the IUD cost?
Then read on.
Is the contraceptive IUD something for me?
The most important question for the placement of the IUD is: Are you sure you are not pregnant?
If you would like to get an IUD placed as contraceptive it is important for you to be sure you are not pregnant. After this, it is important to decide if an IUD fits you, and if it does, which one? Are you breastfeeding? How is your menstruation cycle? What are your experiences with earlier used contraceptives? We would like to advise you in your decision. Contact us for a free consultation or schedule an appointment here.
Where is the IUD placed?
The IUD is placed in the uterus. It looks like a small anker of which the object itself is hooked in your uterus, and two small wires hang out of the cervix. This way the IUD can be removed by the midwife at any time.
How is an IUD placed?
A speculum is used. Once the speculum is in place, and we have a good view of the cervix, we hold on to it with a pair of pliers. Next, the length of the uterus is measured. This way we know exactly how far we have to insert the IUD. Next, the IUD is placed, and the wires are cut short. We always schedule plenty of time for the placement of an IUD. The placement itself normally only takes a few minutes.
After the placement of the IUD, you can experience light menstrual-like cramps and blood loss. This is normal. The first months after the placement you can experience some irregular vaginal blood loss. As a check, we directly do an ultrasound to see if the IUD is placed correctly. We also send a message to your General Practitioner that the IUD has been placed, and which type of IUD it is.
Does the placement of an IUD hurt?
Both the hormone and the copper IUD are placed in the uterus. What most women experience as uncomfortable is the placement of the speculum, and when the cervix is held with pliers. Some have an unpleasant experience from the past. To make the experience as pain free as possible, we have different sizes of speculums, this way we use a size which fits your body the best. We also use a special speculum; one of synthetic material with a light element. This makes it less uncomfortable and we can place the IUD quicker and easier with the light. Because the speculum is from synthetic material, it feels less cold and therefore feels more pleasant than a metal speculum. We also use a warming gel which makes it easier to insert.
What does placement of an IUD cost?
The compensation of the IUD as contraceptive is not included in the basic insurance. This is why it is paid from your “own risk”, unless you are additionally insured. Are you younger than 21? Then it is possible to receive compensation from the basic insurance.
Cost:
Insurting an IUD costs: €73,35 (we invoice this directly to your health insurer).
Control ultrasound after 6 weeks: €44 (this ultrasound cannot be submitted to the health insurer). We always perform a free check-up ultrasound immediately after placement, so that we can be sure that the IUD is in the correct position.
The IUD itself costs between €69 (copper IUD) and €160 (hormone IUD), depending on the type of IUD. We will order this for you via ContraceptionPortal.nl. You will then receive a payment link and the IUD will then be delivered to our practice.
Make an appointment
Would you like to schedule an appointment immediately for the placement of an IUD? You are very welcome in one of our two locations in Mierlo or Geldrop. Schedule an appointment or contact us for advice.
More information and advice about contraception
We would like to advise you while choosing the right form of contraception. Do you have questions and would you like a consultation? Contact us.
Would you like to schedule an appointment immediately for the placement of an IUD? You are very welcome in one of our two locations in Mierlo or Geldrop. Schedule an appointment or contact us for advice.
