At King’s, our Gynaecology physicians have vast experience in IUD insertions and are highly skilled in performing these procedures.

Overview

T-Nova is an IUD (intrauterine device) that can provide long-term contraception. It is also referred to as a non-hormonal IUD or copper IUD.

Copper IUDs have a copper wire coiled around the device that produces an inflammatory reaction toxic to the sperms and eggs thus preventing pregnancy.

Most copper IUDs can prevent conception for a period of 5 to 10 years after insertion.

Why is it done?

T- Nova offers long-term contraception and is suitable even for teenagers and premenopausal women who wish to avoid pregnancy for a period of 3 to 10 years.

What are the risks in IUD insertions?

• Changes in the menstrual bleeding pattern, such as heavier periods, bleeding between periods, and missed periods
• Tenderness in the breasts
• Increased cramps and pain during periods
• Acne
• Inflammation of the vagina
• Enlargement of the ovaries

How to prepare?

Your physician will assess your overall health and perform a pelvic examination before inserting T-Nova. You may also be screened for sexually transmitted infections.

You may take a dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, about 1 or 2 hours prior to the procedure to reduce pain and cramping.

T-Nova can be inserted:

• If you are not pregnant
• Anytime during your menstrual cycles
• Immediately after the termination of pregnancy
• After 8 weeks of delivery

What you can expect

T-Nova is usually inserted in a physician’s clinic on an out-patient basis.

During the procedure

1. Your physician will insert a speculum into the vagina and clean the vagina and cervix using an antiseptic solution.
2. Special instruments may be used to align the uterine cavity and cervical canal and measure the depth of the uterine cavity.
3. Your physician will fold the horizontal arms of T-Nova and place them inside the applicator tube.
4. The tube will be inserted into the cervical canal, such that the ‘T’ of the IUD is carefully placed in the uterus.
5. The applicator tube is removed.
6. Your physician might trim the strings T-Nova so that they do not protrude into the vagina and cause irritation.

After the procedure

Check whether the strings of T-Nova are protruding from the cervix at least once a month.

After about a month of the insertion of T-Nova, your doctor may re-examine you to ensure the IUD is in place and check for the signs of infection.

Contact your doctors immediately if you:

• Have severe abdominal pain
• Think you are pregnant
• Have unusually heavy and persistent vaginal bleeding
• Have unexplained fever
• Have foul-smelling discharge or sores on the vagina
• No longer feel the strings of the IUD

Results

Copper IUDs usually remain in place for 5 to 10 years. The IUD has to be removed after 5 years and be replaced with another if you wish to avoid pregnancy.

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