Uzm. Dr. Ertan Özen
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Gynaecological Procedures
Intrauterine contraceptive device (iud)
What an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) is, how copper and hormonal coils prevent pregnancy, what the evidence says about effectiveness, who they suit and who they do not, what fitting feels like, approximate costs in Turkey against the UK, US and Germany, side effects, risks and the questions to ask a gynaecology clinic.
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Prof. Dr. Zehra Neşe Kavak
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Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) in Turkey: what it is and how it works
An intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD), often called the coil, is a small T-shaped device placed inside the womb by a doctor to prevent pregnancy for several years. It is reversible: when the device is removed, fertility returns to normal. There are two kinds. A copper IUD contains no hormones; the copper releases ions that are toxic to sperm and make the womb lining unfriendly to a fertilised egg. A hormonal IUD (also called an intrauterine system, or IUS) releases a small dose of the hormone levonorgestrel into the womb, which thickens cervical mucus so sperm cannot pass, thins the womb lining and may stop ovulation in some cycles.
This guide explains how the two types differ, how well they work, who they suit, what fitting feels like, what it costs in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany, side effects and how to choose a clinic. For related care see our overview of gynaecology treatments in Turkey.
Copper IUD or hormonal IUS: which is right for me?
The choice depends on whether you want to avoid hormones, how heavy your periods are and how long you want protection. A copper IUD can be used with no hormones at all and can also serve as emergency contraception if fitted within five days of unprotected sex. A hormonal coil usually makes periods lighter and less painful, and some women stop having periods, so it is also used to treat heavy bleeding.
| Type | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Copper IUD | Women who want no hormones, or emergency contraception | Periods can become heavier, longer or more painful; lasts about 5 to 10 years depending on the model |
| Hormonal IUS | Women with heavy or painful periods who want long-term cover | Irregular spotting for the first months; hormone-related effects such as acne or mood change in some women; lasts about 3 to 8 years depending on the model |
Exact duration varies by brand, so check the product label and the clinic's advice rather than relying on a general figure.
Does an IUD work? What the evidence says
Yes. The NHS and the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare describe both types as more than 99 per cent effective, which makes them among the most reliable reversible methods because they do not depend on remembering a daily pill. Fewer than one in a hundred women becomes pregnant in a year of use. An IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms are still needed with new partners. If a pregnancy does occur with an IUD in place, there is a higher chance that it is an ectopic pregnancy, and pain or bleeding should be checked at once.
What does an IUD cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany?
The figures below are approximate ranges for the device and fitting, not hospital quotes. In the UK, coils are free on the NHS at sexual health clinics and many GP practices, so travelling only for an IUD is rarely the cheapest choice; the main savings apply in countries where the coil is charged privately.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €120 – €500 |
| United Kingdom (private) | €250 – €650 |
| United States | €0 – €1,400 (insurance dependent) |
| Germany | €200 – €550 |
What changes the price: copper or hormonal device and the brand, the pre-fitting consultation and ultrasound, any swab tests, the follow-up scan and whether the fitting is done with local anaesthetic or sedation. A package may include the consultation, the device, the fitting and a check; ask for the device brand and its licensed duration in writing.
Who can have an IUD, and who should not?
Most women can use one, including those who have never been pregnant. A coil is not suitable if you might be pregnant, have an untreated pelvic or sexually transmitted infection, have unexplained vaginal bleeding, cervical or womb cancer, or a womb whose shape is distorted by a large fibroid or a uterine malformation. Fibroids that bulge into the cavity can stop an IUD from sitting correctly; if you have them, see our guide to hysteroscopic myomectomy. Copper coils are not usually advised for very heavy periods, and hormonal coils are not advised after some hormone-sensitive cancers. A doctor will take a history and screen for infection before fitting.
What is the IUD fitting procedure, step by step?
- Consultation: history, blood pressure, a pregnancy test where needed and often a swab for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
- Examination: a speculum is inserted to see the cervix, similar to a smear test. The doctor measures the length of the womb with a thin probe; an ultrasound may be used.
- Insertion: the folded coil is passed through the cervix with a slim applicator and released at the top of the womb. Two fine threads are trimmed to sit just inside the vagina.
- Finish: a few minutes rest; the whole visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes, the fitting itself five to ten.
Hormonal coils protect against pregnancy after about seven days, while a copper coil works immediately. You need only one short visit, with no hospital stay.
Does it hurt to have an IUD fitted?
Many women describe period-like cramps and a brief sharp pang as the device passes through the cervix. Experience varies: it is often more uncomfortable if you have never had a vaginal birth, are anxious or have a tight cervix. Options include ordinary painkillers an hour before, local anaesthetic gel or a cervical block, and, in some clinics, sedation. Cramps may continue for a day or two, with light spotting. Ask what pain relief the clinic offers before you book.
Aftercare, side effects and what to expect in the first months
Most women resume normal activity within a day. Expect some cramping and spotting for the first days; avoid tampons, baths and intercourse for a short time if the doctor says so, usually 24 to 48 hours. With a copper coil, periods often become heavier and more painful for the first three to six months. With a hormonal coil, irregular spotting is common for three to six months and periods often lighten later. Learn to feel for the threads once a month after a period. A check at six weeks, or an ultrasound if the threads cannot be felt, confirms the position. If you fly home soon after fitting, the clinic should give you a written note of the device brand, date and removal date for your own doctor. Our page on how the process works explains how follow-up is arranged.
What are the risks of an intrauterine contraceptive device?
Serious problems are uncommon. The NHS lists these risks: a small chance of pelvic infection in the first weeks after fitting, the coil being expelled by the womb (more often in the first year), rarely perforation of the womb wall during fitting (about 1 in 1,000 fittings) and, if a pregnancy occurs, a raised chance that it is ectopic. A displaced coil may need to be found and removed with an ultrasound or hysteroscopy. Seek urgent help for fever, severe lower abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, foul discharge, missing threads with a missed period or a positive pregnancy test.
How do I choose a gynaecology clinic, and what are the red flags?
Check that the doctor is a registered obstetrician and gynaecologist, that screening and a pregnancy test are done first, that the device is a sealed, licensed brand with its box and batch number shown, and that you receive a written plan and price. Red flags include fitting without any consultation or history, no infection check, unbranded devices, no pain relief options and pressure to pay a deposit. You can request a plan through our free quote page.
Questions to ask the clinic:
- Which brand and type will be used, and how many years is it licensed for?
- Is an ultrasound or swab test done before fitting, and is it included?
- What pain relief is offered?
- Who checks the position, and where can I be seen after I leave Turkey?
- Will I receive a record of the device and its removal date?
Hospitals with Gynaecology in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
An IUD, or coil, is a small T-shaped device that a doctor places in the womb to prevent pregnancy for several years. It can contain copper or release a small dose of the hormone levonorgestrel, and it can be removed at any time.
Yes. Both copper and hormonal coils are more than 99 per cent effective, according to the NHS, so fewer than one in a hundred women becomes pregnant in a year. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Approximate ranges are €120 to €500 in Turkey, against about €250 to €650 for a private fitting in the UK, where coils are free on the NHS. The price depends on the device brand, scan and tests, and is confirmed in a written quote.
Most women feel period-like cramps and a brief sharp pang during insertion, which varies by person. Painkillers, local anaesthetic gel or a cervical block can help. Cramping and light spotting may last a day or two.
A copper IUD lasts about five to ten years and a hormonal coil about three to eight, depending on the brand. Check the licensed duration of the specific device and the removal date.
Neither suits everyone. Copper is hormone-free and can be used for emergency contraception but may make periods heavier. A hormonal coil usually lightens periods but can cause spotting in the first months.
Most women return to normal activity the same or next day. Spotting and cramps are common for a few days, and a check at about six weeks confirms the coil is in the correct position.
It can be, when the doctor is a registered gynaecologist, screening is done first, a sealed licensed device is used and you receive a written record and aftercare plan. Check what follow-up is available at home.
Copper coils can cause heavier, longer or more painful periods. Hormonal coils can cause irregular spotting, then lighter periods. Rare risks include infection, expulsion and perforation of the womb wall.
Fitting is a short outpatient visit, so one or two days is usually enough, with a first check if you stay longer. Many women need no hospital stay.
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