Who can't have an IUD fitted?

Not everyone can have an IUD fitted and your doctor or clinic will need to take your medical history first. For example, it is not suitable for women whose lifestyle puts them at risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Here are some of the reasons why it might not be suitable:

• Unexplained heavy or irregular bleeding between periods
• You have an untreated sexually transmitted disease/infection
• You have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past
• You have heavy and painful periods
• You or your partner have other sexual partners

As with the emergency contraceptive pill, there is always a small risk of a pregnancy developing outside the womb, usually in a Fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy. It is very rare, but it is also serious.

The symptoms are:

• Sudden or unusual pain in the lower abdomen
• An unusually light or late period

If you have had an IUD fitted, either for emergency or long-term contraception and have these symptoms, contact your doctor or clinic immediately.