The procedure should take 10 - 15 minutes. The doctor or nurse will give you a short internal examination to check the size and position of your uterus.

The vagina is then held open (like during a cervical screening / smear test), and the IUD is inserted through the cervix and into the womb.

The IUD works for contraception immediately after it is fitted.

Some women find the procedure uncomfortable or painful, and you may also experience cramps afterwards.

You can ask for a local anaesthetic or painkillers before having the IUD fitted. Discuss this with your doctor or nurse beforehand.

Once an IUD is fitted, it will need to be checked by a doctor after three to six weeks to make sure everything is fine. Speak to your GP or clinician if you have any problems after this initial check or if you want the IUD removed.

An IUD can be removed at any time by a trained doctor or nurse.

If you're not going to have another IUD put in and you don't want to get pregnant, use another method (such as condoms) for seven days before, as sperm can live for up to seven days inside the body.

Yes, the IUD is suitable for women who are breastfeeding, though you will need to wait four to six weeks after giving birth before you have it fitted.

There is a very small risk of infection. If you have any of the following symptoms within a few days of having an IUD fitted, you should see your GP (or clinician who fitted the IUD) straight away:

• Have pain in your lower abdomen
• Have a high temperature
• Have a smelly discharge.

There's no evidence that having an IUD will increase the risk of cervical cancer, cancer of the uterus or ovarian cancer.

There is a very small chance of you getting an infection during the first 20 days after an IUD is put in. You may be advised to have a check for any possible existing infection before an IUD is fitted.

There is a very rare risk that an IUD might make a tiny hole in the womb or neck of the womb (cervix) when put in. This may cause pain but often there are no symptoms. Contact your GP straight away if you feel a lot of pain in the lower abdomen after having an IUD fitted. If there is a suspected perforation, go to A&E to see a specialist. If perforation occurs, you may need surgery to remove the IUD.

Although it is unlikely that you would become pregnant while the IUD is fitted, if you do, there is a small increased risk of you having an ectopic pregnancy. The risk of ectopic pregnancy is less in women using an IUD than in women using no contraception at all.

The IUD can be pushed out by your uterus or it can move. This is not common. This is more likely to happen soon after it has been put in and you may not know it has happened. This is why your doctor or nurse will teach you how to check your IUD threads every month.

IUD may not be suitable for you if you have or have had:

• Problems with your womb or cervix or unexplained vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex
• An untreated STI or pelvic infection
• Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy, or who have an artificial heart valve, need to consult their GP or clinician before having an IUD fitted.

If you're 40 or older when you have the IUD fitted, it can be left until you reach menopause or you no longer need contraception.

No, the IUD will not set off airport security metal detectors.

The non-hormonal coil IUD releases copper that kills eggs and sperm.

The hormonal coil IUS releases a progestogen hormone, which thickens the mucus from the cervix (opening of the womb), making it harder for sperm to move through it and reach an egg. It also causes the womb lining to become thinner and less likely to accept a fertilised egg. In some women, the IUS also stops the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), but most women will continue to ovulate.

Your partner shouldn't be able to feel your IUD during sex. If he can feel the threads, get your GP or clinician to check your IUD is in place. They may be able to cut the threads a little.

Fertility will return to normal when the IUD is removed.

The IUD contains copper and should not be used by those who are allergic to copper.

It is unlikely that the IUD would move, but the GP or clinician that fits your IUD will teach you how to feel for the threads and check that the IUD is still in place. If you can't feel the threads or if you think the IUD has moved, you may not be fully protected against pregnancy. See your doctor or nurse straight away and use extra contraception, such as condoms, until your IUD has been checked.

Yes, whilst using the IUD you can use tampons and/or towels.

You may have irregular bleeding patterns during the first few months of using the IUD. For some women their periods are heavier, longer or more painful. While using the IUD you can use tampons and/or towels.

If you get an STI while you have an IUD fitted, it could lead to pelvic infection. STIs and pelvic infections need to be treated as soon as possible. An IUD doesn't protect you against STIs, so you may also have to use condoms when having sex.