Frequently Asked Questions
Is an IUD insertion painful?
This varies from person to person. Sometimes it can be painful, sometimes not at all. When inserting the IUD, you may feel a temporary cramp that is very short-lived. You can always take a painkiller an hour before inserting the IUD. For example, take 1000 milligrams of paracetamol, or 600 milligrams of ibuprofen. Or combine them both. This can reduce any pain or cramps. Do you experience pain when inserting your IUD? Or are you nervous about any pain? Definitely discuss this with your doctor.
How much does it cost to insert an emergency IUD?
A copper IUD costs between 57 and 159 euros, depending on the brand. Some health insurance funds give you an additional allowance if you buy contraception. This is often an annual allowance. Ask your health insurance fund about the benefits and conditions. Are you younger than 25 or do you have an increased allowance? Then you get a discount of 3 euros per month on most contraception in Belgium. You get this discount if you buy contraceptives at the pharmacy. This means that (almost) all copper coils are free if you are younger than 25 or have an increased allowance. The consultation costs for placing an emergency IUD can differ per hospital.
How much does the emergency contraceptive pill cost?
The government provides a financial contribution for the emergency pill for every woman, regardless of your age. The classic emergency pill is (almost) free as a result. The amount you still have to pay yourself varies per brand. For Norlevo, for example, you still pay 0.85 euros. For EllaOne you pay 16 euros.
How do I know if I am in my fertile period?
It is difficult to say exactly when you can get pregnant. Ovulation occurs every month, usually about two weeks after the first day of your period. You can get pregnant around that time, because an egg cell can then be fertilized by a sperm cell. Sperm cells can survive in the body for up to five days, so you can also get pregnant if you have sex in the days before ovulation. The fertile period therefore consists of the day of ovulation and the five days before that. If the egg cell is fertilized, it can implant itself in the uterine wall after about five days. Only then does pregnancy begin. So you are only fertile for a few days each month, but the exact moment is difficult to determine.
Should I always take a pregnancy test after using emergency contraception?
It is best to take a pregnancy test 14 days after unprotected contact; even if you have taken the emergency pill or had an emergency IUD placed and regardless of whether or not you are losing blood.
Does an emergency IUD immediately protect against pregnancy?
Yes. The copper IUD protects you from pregnancy immediately after insertion.
Can I have the emergency IUD removed whenever I want?
The IUD can be easily removed by your doctor at any time. Be careful, however, because you may become pregnant again immediately. Normally, removal does not hurt.
Can I get pregnant if my partner withdraws before ejaculating?
Coitus interruptus or premature withdrawal is not a reliable method of contraception. Not only is it difficult to do so at exactly the right time, but the pre-cum that is released before ejaculation can already contain sperm. So, from pre-cum in your vagina, you can also get pregnant.
Should I always take the emergency or morning-after pill in the morning?
No, you don't need to take a morning-after pill in the morning. It is especially important that you take the pill as soon as possible.
Will the placement of an emergency IUD appear in my medical record?
Do you not want the placement of the emergency IUD to be recorded in your global medical record? Discuss this with the doctor placing the emergency IUD.