Intrauterine Device (IUD) Service
Shire Family Medical provides consultations for IUD insertion, removal and replacement at our Sutherland clinic. Dr Katrina Mikhail can insert and remove all types of IUDs — including hormonal options such as Mirena® and Kyleena®, and non-hormonal copper IUDs such as Mona Lisa® — where clinically appropriate.
An IUD is a long-acting reversible contraceptive device placed inside the uterus by a trained medical practitioner. Depending on the type and your individual circumstances, an IUD may be discussed for contraception, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, or as part of hormone therapy planning in perimenopause or menopause care.
A pre-insertion consultation with Dr Katrina Mikhail is required before booking an IUD insertion. This allows Dr Mikhail to assess whether an IUD is clinically appropriate, review your options, explain the procedure, and arrange the insertion appointment. The pre-insertion consultation may be available by telehealth if you are eligible.
Contraception Options
There are two main types of IUD. The most suitable option depends on your medical history, symptoms, preferences and reproductive plans.
How It Works
IUD insertion follows a two-step process. Removal and replacement appointments can often be booked directly — contact reception to confirm.
Pre-Insertion Consultation
Dr Mikhail reviews your medical history, discusses hormonal and non-hormonal options, explains the procedure, answers your questions, and confirms clinical suitability before arranging the insertion appointment. May be available by telehealth.
Procedure Appointment
IUD insertion, removal or replacement is performed at our Sutherland clinic. Dedicated procedure appointments are available Monday to Friday only. Contact reception to confirm the next available time.
Follow-Up Care
Your doctor will advise what to expect during recovery, any changes to watch for, and when to seek medical attention.
Preparation
Depending on your situation, Dr Mikhail may recommend some preparation ahead of your procedure:
- Pregnancy testing if required
- STI screening if required
- Cervical screening status reviewed
- Timing of the procedure discussed
- Current contraception reviewed
- Pain relief options explained
- What to expect during and after the procedure
- Follow-up care arranged
Ongoing Care
You may wish to discuss removal or replacement if:
- Your IUD is due for replacement
- You are planning a pregnancy
- You are experiencing side effects or concerns
- You want to change your contraception method
- You are unsure how long your IUD has been in place
- Your doctor has recommended a review
If you know which IUD you have and when it was inserted, please bring this information to your appointment.
Pricing
Medicare rebates apply for eligible patients. Out-of-pocket estimates below are based on an in-clinic weekday appointment using the standard rebate.
IUD Insertion
IUD Removal
IUD Replacement
Removal and reinsertion procedures performed in the same appointment.
IUD procedures require a dedicated appointment and are available Monday to Friday only. Procedures are not available on Saturdays. Please contact reception to confirm the next available time.
When to seek urgent medical care: Seek care promptly if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, unusual discharge, or if you are concerned the IUD may have moved.
About the Doctor
Meet Dr Katrina Mikhail
Dr Katrina Mikhail is a General Practitioner at Shire Family Medical with a special interest in women’s health. She provides consultations for IUD insertion, removal and replacement, including hormonal IUDs such as Mirena® and Kyleena®, and non-hormonal copper IUDs such as Mona Lisa®, where clinically appropriate.
Dr Mikhail has completed additional training in IUD insertion procedures. She sees patients with a range of women’s health concerns including contraception planning, menstrual symptoms, perimenopause, and hormonal health. A pre-insertion consultation is required before booking an IUD insertion procedure, and may be available by telehealth if you are eligible.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small contraceptive device inserted into the uterus by a trained medical practitioner. IUDs are a form of long-acting reversible contraception and may be hormonal or non-hormonal.
There are two main types of IUDs: hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs. Hormonal IUDs include options commonly known as Mirena® and Kyleena®. Copper IUDs are non-hormonal and may include options commonly known as Mona Lisa®. Your doctor can discuss which option may be suitable for you.
Yes. Dr Katrina Mikhail provides consultations for IUD insertion, removal and replacement at Shire Family Medical. This includes hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs, where clinically appropriate.
A hormonal IUD releases a small amount of hormone locally inside the uterus. A copper IUD is non-hormonal. Both are forms of long-acting reversible contraception, but they work differently and may suit different patients. Your doctor can explain the risks, benefits and alternatives during your consultation.
Mirena® is one type of hormonal IUD. It is not the only IUD option. Other options may include Kyleena® or a non-hormonal copper IUD, depending on your medical history, symptoms and preferences.
Kyleena® is a hormonal IUD. Your doctor can discuss how it compares with other IUD options and whether it may be suitable for your circumstances.
A copper IUD is a non-hormonal intrauterine device. It may be considered by patients who prefer contraception without hormones or who are not suited to hormonal contraception. Your doctor can discuss suitability, risks and alternatives.
Mona Lisa® is a commonly known brand name associated with copper IUDs. Copper IUDs are non-hormonal. Your doctor can explain whether a copper IUD is suitable for your circumstances.
Mirena® is listed in Australian consumer medicine information as being used for long-term reversible contraception, treatment of excessive menstrual bleeding, and excessive growth of the lining of the womb during hormone replacement therapy. Your doctor will assess whether this is suitable for your symptoms and medical history.
In some situations, Mirena® may be used as the progesterone component of menopause hormone therapy to help protect the lining of the uterus when oestrogen therapy is used. This requires individual medical assessment and ongoing review.
How long an IUD lasts depends on the type of IUD and the reason it is being used. For example, the TGA has confirmed that Mirena® is approved for contraception for up to 8 years, while other uses may have different timeframes. Your doctor will discuss replacement timing based on your circumstances.
In many cases, yes. An initial consultation helps your doctor assess whether an IUD is suitable, discuss hormonal and non-hormonal options, explain the procedure, and review possible risks, benefits and alternatives.
Experiences vary. Some patients experience cramping or discomfort during insertion, while others tolerate the procedure well. Your doctor can discuss what to expect and options that may help reduce discomfort.
Yes. An IUD can be removed by a trained medical practitioner. You may request removal if you are planning pregnancy, experiencing side effects, changing contraception, or if the IUD is due for replacement.
Replacement timing depends on the type of IUD, when it was inserted and the reason it is being used. If you are unsure when your IUD is due for replacement, book a consultation and bring any information you have about the type of IUD and insertion date.
Some patients who have not had children may still be suitable for an IUD. Suitability depends on individual medical history, anatomy, preferences and clinical assessment.
Your doctor may recommend pregnancy testing, STI screening, cervical screening review, discussion of your menstrual cycle, and planning around timing of the procedure. Reception can advise whether an initial consultation is needed before booking an insertion appointment.
Some patients experience cramping, spotting, bleeding changes or discomfort after insertion. Less commonly, complications can occur. Your doctor will explain what to expect and when to seek medical advice.
You should seek medical care promptly if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, unusual discharge, or if you are concerned the IUD may have moved.
To arrange an IUD consultation, or to ask about IUD insertion, removal or replacement appointments with Dr Katrina Mikhail, contact Shire Family Medical on (02) 9545 1777.
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