At Bloom Women’s Health, our gynaecologists provide consultations for IUD contraception in Brisbane, including hormonal IUD options such as Mirena and Kyleena.
An intrauterine device, commonly known as an IUD, is a long-acting and reversible form of contraception. Your gynaecologist can discuss your medical history, contraceptive preferences and any relevant menstrual or gynaecological concerns to determine whether an IUD may be appropriate for you.
Bloom Women’s Health provides IUD consultations, insertion, removal and replacement from our Spring Hill clinic in Brisbane.
An IUD is a small device placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are considered long-acting reversible contraception because they can provide contraception for several years but can also be removed when contraception is no longer required.
Hormonal IUDs slowly release a progestogen called levonorgestrel. This helps prevent pregnancy primarily by thickening cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Hormonal IUDs can also thin the lining of the uterus and may affect ovulation in some people.
Hormonal IUDs are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Unlike a contraceptive pill, there is no medication to remember each day once the device has been inserted.
IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms may still be recommended where STI protection is required.
Two hormonal IUDs available in Australia are Mirena and Kyleena. Both contain levonorgestrel, but there are differences in their size, hormone dose and approved duration of use.
Your gynaecologist can discuss these differences with you and help determine which option may be suitable based on your contraceptive needs, menstrual history and overall health.
For patients considering a Mirena IUD in Brisbane, Bloom Women’s Health provides assessment, insertion, removal and replacement consultations.
Mirena is a hormonal IUD that can provide contraception for up to eight years. It contains a higher dose of levonorgestrel than Kyleena and may also reduce menstrual bleeding.
Mirena can be used for purposes other than contraception, including the management of heavy menstrual bleeding in some patients. The recommended replacement timeframe can differ depending on why Mirena is being used, so this should be discussed with your doctor.
You can also read more about Mirena and hormonal IUDs for heavy menstrual bleeding.
Kyleena is another hormonal IUD available for contraception. It is slightly smaller than Mirena and contains a lower dose of levonorgestrel.
Kyleena is approved to provide contraception for up to five years. It is used for contraception rather than the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.
If you are considering a Kyleena IUD in Brisbane, your gynaecologist can discuss whether Kyleena, Mirena or another contraceptive method may be appropriate for you.
IUD insertion in Brisbane at Bloom Women’s Health is performed by a gynaecologist following appropriate clinical assessment.
Before insertion, your gynaecologist will usually review your medical and gynaecological history, discuss your current contraception and explain the benefits, possible side effects and risks associated with an IUD.
Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may also discuss the timing of insertion and whether pregnancy or infection testing is required.
During an IUD insertion, a speculum is used to access the cervix, similar to during some other gynaecological examinations. The IUD is then passed through the cervix and positioned inside the uterus using a specialised insertion device.
The insertion itself usually takes only a few minutes, although the overall appointment will take longer to allow time for assessment, preparation and discussion.
Pain and discomfort during insertion vary between individuals. Some people experience cramping or discomfort, while others may experience more significant pain. Your gynaecologist can discuss available pain management options with you before the procedure.
Cramping and light bleeding or spotting can occur after an IUD is inserted. Changes to menstrual bleeding are also common during the first few months while the body adjusts to a hormonal IUD.
Your doctor will explain what to expect after the procedure and when further assessment may be required. Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms that concern you, particularly significant or worsening pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fever or unusual vaginal discharge.
Depending on when a hormonal IUD is inserted and your previous contraceptive method, additional contraception may be required for a short period after insertion. Your doctor will advise you based on your circumstances.
IUD contraception can be suitable for many people, including those who have and have not previously been pregnant. However, no contraceptive method is appropriate for everyone.
Factors your doctor may consider include:
During your consultation, your gynaecologist can also discuss other contraceptive options if an IUD is not appropriate or does not align with your preferences.
Bloom Women’s Health provides a broader range of gynaecology services in Brisbane for women at different stages of life.
An IUD can be removed by a trained healthcare professional when you no longer require it, when it reaches the end of its recommended duration, if you want to change contraception or if you are planning a pregnancy.
During IUD removal in Brisbane, your gynaecologist will usually locate the IUD strings and gently withdraw the device through the cervix.
Removal is generally a brief procedure, although additional assessment may be required if the strings cannot be seen or the IUD cannot be removed in the usual way.
If you do not want to become pregnant after removal, discuss contraception with your doctor before the procedure. The timing of removal and commencement of another contraceptive method may be important.
If your Mirena or Kyleena has reached its recommended replacement time and you would like to continue using an IUD, removal and insertion of a new device may sometimes be performed during the same appointment.
Your gynaecologist will assess whether this is suitable for you and explain what is involved before the procedure.
Mirena and Kyleena are both long-acting hormonal contraceptives, but they are not identical.
Mirena provides contraception for up to eight years, while Kyleena provides contraception for up to five years. Kyleena is slightly smaller and contains a lower amount of levonorgestrel. Mirena may also be considered for certain patients experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding.
Rather than selecting an IUD based solely on device size or hormone dose, it is important to consider your individual medical history, bleeding pattern, contraception goals and preferences.
A consultation with a gynaecologist provides an opportunity to discuss these factors and ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.
Schedule a consultation with our experienced gynecologists to discuss IUD contraception options, including Kyleena and Mirena.
To schedule your screening with Bloom Women’s Health, please contact us or fill in our Contact Form. Our team is here to support you throughout the process and ensure you receive the care you deserve. Your health is your greatest asset, and we’re here to help you safeguard it.
Some women experience cramping or discomfort during insertion, but this usually settles shortly after the procedure.
Hormonal IUDs such as Mirena and Kyleena can last up to five years depending on the type.
Fertility usually returns quickly after IUD removal, although individual experiences may vary.
IUD removal is usually a quick procedure performed during a consultation.
In some cases, an IUD can be removed and replaced during the same appointment. Your doctor will discuss whether this is suitable for you.
If you are considering Mirena, Kyleena, IUD insertion, removal or replacement, the gynaecologists at Bloom Women’s Health can discuss your options and answer questions about the procedure.
If this is your first appointment with the practice, you can also learn more about what to expect at your first gynaecology visit.
To arrange an IUD contraception consultation at Bloom Women’s Health in Spring Hill, Brisbane, please contact our team or request an appointment online.
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