An intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most effective forms of contraception in Australia, and the insertion itself usually takes only a few minutes. Knowing what happens before, during and after the appointment makes it easier to plan your day, ask about pain relief and understand what you may pay. This is general information; your GP will talk you through what applies to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are two types: hormonal IUDs, which release a small amount of the progestogen levonorgestrel, and copper IUDs, which contain no hormones. According to healthdirect’s guide to the IUD<\/a>, fewer than 1 in 100 people using an IUD will become pregnant, and a device lasts 5 to 10 years depending on the type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hormonal IUDs often make bleeding lighter over time, while copper IUDs tend to make periods heavier. If you are still weighing up options, a women’s health check<\/a> is a good place to talk it through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most people have a consultation first. Your GP takes a medical history, discusses which device suits you, and may suggest a sexually transmitted infection test or check that your cervical screening<\/a> is up to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Practical preparation usually includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The insertion itself takes a few minutes, and healthdirect’s IUD insertion procedure page<\/a> says the whole procedure usually takes about 10 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with a cervical screening test, you lie on your back and the doctor uses a speculum to see the cervix. The cervix is cleaned, the depth of the uterus is measured, and the IUD is passed through the cervix in a thin tube. Once released, its arms open into a T shape. The threads are trimmed so a short length sits in the vagina, which lets you check the device is in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experiences vary widely, from brief period-like cramping to strong pain as the device passes through the cervix. Agreeing on a pain relief plan with your GP beforehand often helps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Options your GP may discuss include simple pain relief taken beforehand, local anaesthetic applied to or injected around the cervix, and breathing techniques. healthdirect notes that local anaesthetic can reduce discomfort. Mention it if previous speculum examinations have been painful, if you have not given birth vaginally, or if you feel anxious, as these are common reasons to plan extra relief. You can ask the doctor to pause at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Period-like cramping and light bleeding are common for a few days, and some people feel faint straight afterwards. healthdirect advises avoiding tampons, menstrual cups, sex, baths and swimming for several days. Irregular bleeding is common in the first few months, and a follow-up visit a few weeks later lets the doctor check the threads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact your GP, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, if you have severe or worsening pain that simple pain relief does not settle, fever, unusual discharge, or you cannot feel the threads. Infection, the device moving out of place and, rarely, perforation of the uterus are uncommon but need prompt review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cost has two parts: the device and the procedure (plus any consultations).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The device.<\/strong> Hormonal IUDs are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so with a prescription you pay the standard PBS co-payment. Copper IUDs are supplied differently, so ask the clinic how they source and charge for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The procedure.<\/strong> From 1 Nov 2025, the Australian Government increased Medicare rebates for long-acting contraception. The Women’s Health Package announcement<\/a> states the IUD insertion rebate rose from $93.55 to $215.95, alongside a new 40 per cent bulk billing incentive for practitioners who bulk bill these services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you pay anything for the procedure still depends on how the practice bills it. Check the clinic’s billing information<\/a> or ask when you book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The insertion itself usually takes a few minutes, and healthdirect describes the whole procedure as taking about 10 minutes. Allow extra time for the consultation and a short rest afterwards. Most people can return to normal activities the next day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It depends on the type and the timing. A copper IUD works straight away. A hormonal IUD may need a short period of backup contraception, such as condoms, depending on when in your cycle it is inserted and what you were using before. Your GP will confirm what applies to you at the appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Removal is usually quicker and less uncomfortable than insertion. The doctor gently pulls the threads, the arms of the IUD fold up and it slides out through the cervix. If you want to continue with the same method, ask whether a new IUD can be inserted at the same visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. IUDs suit many people who have not been pregnant or given birth. Insertion can be more uncomfortable without a previous vaginal birth, so discuss pain relief with your GP first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n King Street Medical’s GPs insert and remove both hormonal and copper IUDs, and female doctors are available. The IUD insertion and removal page<\/a> explains the service, and the booking information page<\/a> covers booking online or by phone.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" An IUD insertion usually takes only a few minutes. Here is what happens before, during and after the appointment, the pain relief options to discuss with your GP, and how Medicare rebates for IUD insertion changed from 1 Nov 2025.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4042,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","tve_updated_post":"","tve_custom_css":"","tve_user_custom_css":"","tve_globals":{},"tcb2_ready":0,"tcb_editor_enabled":0,"tve_landing_page":"","_tve_header":"","_tve_footer":""},"categories":[125],"tags":[205,204,193,192],"class_list":["post-4867","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-medical","tag-contraception","tag-iud","tag-medicare","tag-womens-health","post-wrapper","thrv_wrapper"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat happens before the insertion appointment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n
What actually happens during an IUD insertion?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How painful is IUD insertion?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to expect after insertion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What does IUD insertion cost with Medicare?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How long does an IUD insertion take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When does an IUD start working?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is IUD removal painful?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I have an IUD if I have never been pregnant?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Booking an IUD insertion in Warrawong<\/h2>\n\n\n\n