7.3.4 Contraceptive devices
| Choice | Drug |
|---|
| 1st choice | T-Safe® 380A QL |
| Or |
| TT380® Slimline |
| 2nd choice | Nova-T® 380 |
| |
| |
Prescribing Notes
- Refer to NICE CG30 Long Acting Reversible Contraception and FSRH guidance.
- Copper IUDs provide long–acting highly effective contraception for at least 5 years.
- Return to fertility after removal is rapid.
- Copper IUDs are associated with an increase in menstrual blood loss and intermenstrual bleeding, menstrual bleeding often decreases over time however intermenstrual bleeding is less likely to do so.
- Fertility declines with age and therefore a copper intra-uterine device which is fitted in a woman over the age of 40, may remain in the uterus until menopause.
- Technically it may only be possible to fit a Nova-T®380 (narrower device) in some women. It may be useful for emergency contraception in nulliparous women.
- IUD insertions should be performed by healthcare staff who are fully trained in the technique, regularly updated and who perform frequent insertions (recommendation is 12 or more per year).
- The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) produce eligibility criteria for contraceptive use see UKMEC.
- The MHRA have issued advice on the risk factors for uterine perforation with intra-uterine contraception, including copper IUDs and levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine systems, see MHRA.
