Contraception

Contraception Consultation

During the contraception consultation, we talk about your personal situation and the various contraceptive options available. We take into account your medical history and any future plans, such as a possible wish to have children later on.This consultation is covered by your health insurance.

You are also very welcome for a contraception consultation even if you are not currently under our care. If you choose an intrauterine device (IUD) — copper or hormonal — you can have it fitted with us.

We offer personal guidance, clear explanations, and a calm, supportive atmosphere.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

An IUD is a reliable and long-lasting form of contraception. It is also suitable during the breastfeeding period. There are two types of IUDs:

• Copper IUD (hormone-free) – T-Safe, Multi-Safe (short), Flexi-T
• HHormonal IUD – Mirena, Kyleena

Copper IUD – hormone-free

A copper IUD contains no hormones and slowly releases a small amount of copper. This prevents sperm from fertilising an egg and makes it more difficult for an egg to implant in the uterus.

The T-Safe is the most commonly used copper IUD in the Netherlands and provides up to 10 years of protection. After insertion, you retain your natural menstrual cycle.In the first few months, your periods may be slightly heavier or longer, or you might experience cramps. These symptoms usually settle once your body adjusts to the IUD.

A copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception if fitted within 5 days after unprotected intercourse.

For more information, visit morning-after.nl.

Types of copper IUDs

• T-Safe: T-shaped, effective for 10 years, most reliable according to Dutch GP guidelines (NHG). Cost: €85,06
• Multi-Safe (short): horseshoe-shaped, suitable for different uterine sizes, effective for 5 years. Cost: €61,78
• Flexi-T: T-shaped with rounded corners, available in several sizes, effective for 5 years. €58,24

Hormonal IUD

A hormonal IUD releases a small, local dose of the hormone levonorgestrel.

It thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it harder for sperm to pass, and thins the lining of the uterus so that a fertilised egg cannot implant.

In the first few months, you may experience irregular bleeding, headaches, or mild abdominal pain. These usually improve over time.

Types of hormonal IUDs

• Mirena: effective for 8 years; can also help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. Cost: approx. €150,-
• Kyleena: slightly smaller, contains less hormone, effective for 5 years. Cost: approx. €150,-

Costs

The cost for IUD placement in 2025 is €77.85.This is usually covered by your health insurance, although coverage may vary depending on your policy. In some cases, part of the cost may count towards your excess (own risk).

The cost of the IUD itself is not covered by the basic insurance for women aged 21 and over, unless you have additional cover.

IUD Placement

Once you have chosen your IUD, we will submit a digital prescription. You will receive a payment request by email and text message. After payment, the IUD will be sent directly to our practice. The insertion takes about 5 minutes. Your midwife will guide you through each step with care.

Tips before your appointment:

• The evening before, take 2 Aleve Feminax (275 mg) or 1 ibuprofen (400 mg), and repeat one hour before your appointment.
• Come with a half-full bladder — this makes the placement easier.
• Bring a sanitary pad (light bleeding afterwards is normal).
• Plan to take it easy after your appointment.

Please ensure you are not pregnant and do not have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If you are unsure, discuss it with us.

After placement, we will inform your GP and schedule a (telephone) follow-up consultation about six weeks later.

Aftercare and Advice

• Avoid sexual intercourse and tampon use for the first 24 hours.
• It is best not to use a menstrual cup, as this increases the risk of the IUD shifting.
• Light bleeding or cramping is normal.

For pain, take 2×500 mg paracetamol or 400 mg ibuprofen. If you are breastfeeding, paracetamol is preferred.

Effectiveness:

• Copper IUD: effective immediately.
• Hormonal IUD: effective after 7 days (or immediately if fitted within 7 days after the first day of your period).

When to Contact Us

Please contact us if you experience:

• Fever (above 38.5°C) with abdominal pain or unusual discharge.
• Heavy bleeding with clots or dizziness.
• Persistent abdominal pain despite pain relief.
• The feeling that the IUD has moved or come out.
• The threads feel much shorter/longer, or you cannot feel them anymore.
• Ongoing complaints after placement.

You remain under our care for six weeks after placement; afterwards, your GP will take over follow-up care.

Check-up and Ultrasound

Around six weeks after placement, we schedule a (telephone) follow-up to discuss how you are doing and whether the IUD appears to be in the correct position. You can also check for the presence of the threads yourself by gently feeling high up in your vagina with one or two fingers — never pull on the threads. If there is any doubt, an ultrasound can be performed to confirm the position of the IUD. With a medical referral – covered by health insurance. Without a referral – you are welcome to schedule an ultrasound at your own expense (€50.75 in 2025). Appointments can be made through our assistant.

Replacement or Removal

After placement, you will receive a card noting the date of insertion and the latest replacement date.

• T-Safe: effective up to 10 years
• Mirena: effective up to 8 years
• Kyleena, Multi-Safe, Flexi-T: effective up to 5 years

You are also welcome to come to us for IUD replacement or removal.

At Mundo Midwives, we take the time to find what truly suits you — with care, calmness, and trust.