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IUD Insertion & Removal Cairns

Book in to discuss if an IUD is right for you.

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Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) provide effective and safe birth control

We offer IUD insertion and removal services to our patients. Our experienced and compassionate team is committed to your care to ensure you feel comfortable and confident during your visit.

What is an Intrauterine device (IUD)

An IUD is a small, T-shaped device made of plastic or copper that is inserted into the uterus to provide long-acting contraception. IUDs are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate of over 99%. The duration of action ranges from 5 to 10 years depending on the type of IUD inserted and what the IUD is being used for.

IUDs can also be used to manage other gynaecological conditions including heavy menstrual bleeding and as part of MHT (Menopausal Hormone Therapy).

There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal IUDs release a small amount of progestin, a synthetic hormone. Non-hormonal IUDs are wrapped in copper.

IUDs are a popular form of birth control because they are long-acting, highly effective, and easily reversible. However, IUDs may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important to have a detailed discussion about the risks and benefits with a trained healthcare provider to determine if an IUD is suitable for you.

What to expect during your appointment

We strive to ensure that your IUD appointment is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here is what you can expect during your visit:

Patients need to have 3 appointments – an “IUD suitability and counselling appointment”, the insertion procedure, and the follow-up check 3-6 weeks after insertion.

  1. Consultation and Assessment: During your first appointment, our doctor will have a private consultation with you to discuss the IUD, how it works, which type is most suitable for you and the insertion process, including the risks associated with the procedure. They will assess your medical history, current health status, and discuss any concerns you may have.
  2. Procedure Preparation: If you decide to proceed with the IUD insertion, our doctor will provide you with a script for the IUD (cost can range from $7.30-$100 depending on which IUD is chosen.) and pain management options to ensure your comfort during the procedure. A future appointment for insertion will be made.
  3. IUD Insertion: The actual insertion process usually takes around 10-15 minutes however you will be in the practice for 30 – 45 minutes. On the day of your insertion appointment you will arrive with your IUD device that you have collected from a pharmacy prior to your appointment. A written consent form will be completed with your doctor and any questions answered. The procedure will be performed.
  4. Aftercare: Following the procedure, you may experience some mild cramping or discomfort, which can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication. You may also experience light bleeding or spotting for a few days. You are given clear instructions regarding any activities to avoid and when your IUD will be working as an effectively contraceptive.
  5. Follow-up: A follow-up appointment 3-6 weeks after the IUD insertion is required to ensure that everything is functioning properly. After that, we recommend annual check-ups.

When is the best time to have an IUD procedure?

This will depend on a few factors, and your doctor will discuss this with you based on your personal factors.

It is important to exclude pregnancy prior to insertion and therefore it is usually

recommended to have the procedure done during day 1-5 of your menstrual cycle. This excludes pregnancy and due to the cervix being more open during this time can aid in a simpler insertion. It is however, still possible to have the procedure done at an alternative time during your cycle.

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Meet our team of caring female IUD doctors

Dr Michelle Burnham

General Practitioner

Dr Michelle Burnham is originally from Canada and completed her medical degree at Griffith University in 2016. She received her fellowship in General Practice in 2022. She has also completed a Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health and IUD insertion.
Michelle is available Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Areas of interest:
Women's health
Men's health
Mental health
Chronic disease management
IUD insertion/removal
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health

Dr Renae Dall'Alba

General Practitioner

Dr Renae Dall’Alba is a Cairns local. She completed a Biomedical science degree at JCU in 2005. She then went on to study Medicine at Griffith University on the Gold Coast, graduating in 2009. She received her fellowship in General practice in 2015 and has also completed a Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health and IUD insertion. Special interest areas include:
- Women’s health
- Antenatal care/shared care
- Paediatrics including childhood health checks and immunisations
- IUD insertion and removal
- Weight loss management

Dr Stephanie Barnard

General Practitioner

Dr Stephanie Barnard joined our team in 2018 after returning to her home town with her young family. After graduating from Medicine at JCU Townsville in 2010, she then obtained a fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, as well as diplomas in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Children's Health.
Dr Stephanie provides nurturing, evidence based care to her patients in all areas of general medicine.
Special interest include:
- IUD and Implanon insertion/removal
- Antenatal care
- Cervical screening
- Baby checks
- Weight loss management
- Skin excisions
- Iron infusions
Available Mondays and Tuesdays currently, with increased days in 2023.

Dr Louise Bourke

General Practitioner

Dr Louise Bourke moved to Cairns with her husband and their four children in 2016. Louise studied Medicine as a postgraduate student at Flinders University in Adelaide and graduated in 2002. Prior to this she did a Bachelor of Science, completing an Honours degree at the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin. Louise has lived in Darwin most of her life and is of Aboriginal descent. She gained GP fellowship in 2016 and enjoys the diversity and spectrum of general practice from infancy to aged care. She has completed a FPAA National Certificate in Reproductive and Sexual Health. Louise enjoys the continuity of care general practice brings and working with patients through their health challenges. Outside of work, Louise enjoys the outdoors, going for bike rides, bush walks and camping. She works part time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does IUD insertion hurt?

A lot of women come in quite anxious about the pain they will feel with the IUD insertion, and most women leave pleasantly surprised at how quick and easy it was to insert. It is common to experience some cramping with insertion, like period pain, but it resolves after a few minutes in most cases.

How long does it take for an IUD insertion procedure?

Expect to be at the practice for 30-45 minutes. Our doctors like to take their time with the insertion of an IUD and make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

Will my periods stop after I have the IUD inserted?

Expect some light bleeding on most days for the first 3-6 months after insertion. After that, a large majority of women with IUDs will not get a period. Some women get a light bleed every few months.

What do I need to do prior to coming in?

We recommend you take 2 paracetamol and 2 ibuprofen 1 hour prior to your appointment.

Often we need to time the IUD insertion with your period, but the doctor will discuss this with you at the consultation you have prior to your insertion day.

Anything special I need to do after the IUD has been inserted?

For 48 hours after the IUD insertion, you need to be careful of introducing infection into the uterus.

During this 48 hours after insertion, we recommend you do not have intercourse, use tampons, have a bath or go swimming.

It takes 7 days for it to become an effective form of contraception, so we recommend you abstain from intercourse or use condoms during this time.

We recommend you feel for the IUD strings each month, to ensure it is still in position.

Do you perform IUD string retrievals?

Yes, we do. Contact our surgery to discuss an appointment.

How much will it cost?

You will buy the IUD from the pharmacy on the PBS price for you (cost can range from $7.30-$100 depending on which IUD is chosen.).

Our insertion fee is $240, and you get a rebate of $72.05 back from medicare.

The IUD will be in place for 5 years, so this works out to be less than $40 a year for the IUD

Do all doctors insert the IUD?

No, you need special training to insert the IUD. We have 3 doctors that insert IUDs at Mount Sheridan Medical Practice – Dr Michelle Burnham, Dr Renae Dall’Alba and Dr Stephanie Barnard.

To find out more about our IUD insertion and removal services, please call or book online.

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