General Gynecology · Treatment
IUD Insertion and Removal in Seoul: Hormonal and Copper IUDs
IUD insertion places a small T-shaped device in the uterus to provide 3 to 10 years of highly effective, reversible contraception; hormonal IUDs release levonorgestrel and usually make periods lighter, while the copper IUD is hormone-free and also works as emergency contraception. At Somssi Women's Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Yoon Ho-joo fits and removes IUDs in a 30-minute visit with an ultrasound check and English-language counseling.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Yoon Ho-joo, MD, PhD, OB/GYN specialist, Somssi Women's Clinic · Last updated October 2026
At a glance
Key facts
The essentials, based on how Somssi Women's Clinic performs this procedure or answers this question. Your plan is confirmed at consultation.
- Effectiveness: more than 99% for both hormonal and copper IUDs
- Duration: hormonal IUDs 3–8 years depending on the device; copper IUD up to 10 years
- Insertion time: about 5–10 minutes within a 30-minute visit
- Anesthesia: usually none or local cervical anesthetic; sedation available on request
- Hospital stay: none; return to normal activities the same day
- Removal: a few minutes; fertility returns promptly
- Follow-up: string and ultrasound check at 4–6 weeks
IUD insertion and removal at a glance
A small T-shaped device for 3–10 years of reversible contraception, hormonal or copper, inserted in minutes.
- IUD insertion Korea
- Mirena Seoul
- copper IUD
- IUD removal
- long-acting contraception
- hormonal IUD
- Over 99%Effectiveness
- 3–10 yearsDuration
- 5–10 minInsertion
- Same dayNormal activities
- Choose the typeHormonal (lighter periods) or copper (hormone-free).
- Check firstExam and ultrasound.
- InsertUsually no anesthesia; sedation on request.
- Check at 4–6 weeksStrings and position on ultrasound.
Illustration: Somssi Women's Clinic, Seoul. Schematic, not to scale; your plan is set by Dr. Yoon Ho-joo after examination.
What is an IUD?
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, flexible T-shaped device placed inside the uterus by a doctor. It is one of the most effective reversible contraceptives available, with a failure rate below 1% per year, because once in place there is nothing to remember. Two families of IUD are used at Somssi Women's Clinic.
Hormonal (levonorgestrel) IUD
Releases a small daily dose of the progestin levonorgestrel directly into the uterus. It thickens cervical mucus, thins the uterine lining and, in some women, suppresses ovulation. Depending on the device, it lasts three to eight years. Periods typically become much lighter and less painful; about one in five users stops bleeding altogether after a year. It is also used to treat heavy periods, endometriosis pain and adenomyosis, and to protect the uterine lining during menopausal hormone therapy.
Copper IUD
Contains no hormones. Copper ions are toxic to sperm and prevent fertilization. It lasts up to 10 years, works immediately, and is the most effective form of emergency contraception when inserted within five days of unprotected sex. Periods may be heavier or more painful, especially in the first months.
Somssi Women's Clinic is a surgical gynecology clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, founded in 2000 and led by Dr. Yoon Ho-joo, MD, PhD. Alongside its specialist surgical work, the clinic provides everyday gynecology, including contraception counseling and IUD fitting, for English-speaking residents and visitors.
Who is a good candidate for an IUD?
- Women of any age, including those who have never been pregnant, who want long-acting, low-maintenance contraception
- Women who cannot or prefer not to use estrogen (migraine with aura, high blood pressure, clotting risk, smokers over 35, breastfeeding)
- Women with heavy or painful periods, who often benefit from a hormonal IUD
- Women who need emergency contraception and want ongoing protection (copper IUD)
- Women on menopausal hormone therapy who need endometrial protection (hormonal IUD)
An IUD is not suitable if you have a current pelvic infection, unexplained vaginal bleeding, a uterine cavity distorted by fibroids or a congenital anomaly, known cervical or uterine cancer, or (for the copper IUD) copper allergy or Wilson's disease. Breast cancer is a reason to avoid the hormonal IUD. Dr. Yoon reviews these with you before fitting.
| Feature | Hormonal IUD | Copper IUD |
|---|---|---|
| Hormones | Levonorgestrel, local low dose | None |
| Duration | 3–8 years by device | Up to 10 years |
| Effect on periods | Lighter, shorter, often absent | May be heavier and more painful |
| Emergency contraception | No | Yes, within 5 days |
| Common early side effects | Irregular spotting for 3–6 months, breast tenderness, acne, mood changes in some | Cramping, heavier flow, spotting in first months |
| Extra benefits | Treats heavy bleeding, endometriosis pain, adenomyosis | Hormone-free; unaffected by other medicines |
How Somssi fits an IUD
The visit begins with a conversation about your health, periods, past pregnancies and what you want from contraception. A urine pregnancy test is done if there is any possibility of pregnancy, and chlamydia and gonorrhea screening is offered if you have a new partner or other risk factors; insertion does not have to wait for the result unless you have symptoms.
A transvaginal ultrasound checks the size and shape of the uterine cavity and looks for fibroids or polyps. Then, with a speculum in place, the cervix is cleaned, the uterus is measured with a thin sound, and the IUD is released from its inserter at the top of the cavity. The strings are trimmed to about 2–3 cm, and a final ultrasound confirms correct placement. The insertion itself takes five to ten minutes.
Timing: an IUD can be fitted on any day you are reasonably sure you are not pregnant. During or just after a period the cervix is slightly softer and pregnancy is excluded, but waiting is not required. A hormonal IUD inserted within the first seven days of a cycle works immediately; otherwise use condoms for seven days. The copper IUD works from the moment it is placed.
Anesthesia, pain and hospital stay
Most women describe insertion as a strong period-type cramp lasting a minute or two. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever an hour beforehand helps. Local anesthetic applied to or injected into the cervix is available, and if you are very anxious, have a narrow cervix or a history of painful procedures, the clinic can use its usual light sleep (sedation) anesthesia, in which case you should bring a companion. There is no hospital stay; you can return to work the same day.
Recovery timeline
| When | What to expect and do |
|---|---|
| Day of insertion | Cramps and light bleeding; rest if you wish; pain relief as needed; shower normally |
| First week | Spotting common; avoid tampons, menstrual cups, baths and intercourse for a few days to reduce infection risk |
| Weeks 2–6 | Irregular bleeding possible, more so with the hormonal IUD; feel for strings after each period if comfortable doing so |
| 4–6 weeks | Follow-up visit with ultrasound and string check |
| 3–6 months | Bleeding pattern settles; hormonal IUD users usually see much lighter periods |
Contact the clinic promptly if you have fever, severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, unusual discharge, cannot feel the strings when you previously could, or feel the hard plastic of the device.
IUD removal and replacement
Removal takes a few minutes: the strings are grasped with forceps and the device slides out with gentle traction. It is usually far less uncomfortable than insertion. A new device can be placed at the same visit if you wish to continue. If the strings are not visible, ultrasound locates the device and a fine hook is used; very rarely a hysteroscopic procedure is needed.
Fertility returns immediately after removal of either type. If you are not planning pregnancy, start another method straight away or use condoms for the seven days before removal, since sperm can survive in the tract.
Results and what to expect
Both IUDs are more than 99% effective, and satisfaction and continuation rates are higher than for pills or condoms. Hormonal IUD users can expect substantially lighter periods, and many women with heavy bleeding, endometriosis or adenomyosis find it changes their quality of life. Copper IUD users keep their natural cycle, sometimes with heavier flow. Bleeding patterns vary from woman to woman, and the first three to six months are the least predictable.
Risks and how we reduce them
- Expulsion: the IUD partly or fully comes out in roughly 2–10% of users, mostly in the first year; ultrasound confirmation and the 4–6 week check catch this early
- Perforation: about 1 in 1,000 insertions; the risk is higher when breastfeeding or soon after delivery, and is reduced by sounding the uterus and ultrasound guidance
- Infection: a small increase in the first three weeks, mostly when an existing STI is present; screening and careful technique reduce it
- Pregnancy with an IUD in place: rare, but when it happens a higher proportion are ectopic, so early ultrasound is essential
- Hormonal side effects: spotting, breast tenderness, acne, headache or mood change in some hormonal IUD users, usually easing over months; ovarian cysts that generally resolve
- Pain and bleeding during and after insertion
Why international patients choose Somssi
Choosing contraception in a new country can be daunting. The clinic offers English-language counseling, a full explanation of which devices are available in Korea, and a single 30-minute visit for ultrasound, insertion and instructions. It is 100 m from Gangnam Station Exit 1, has been a Ministry of Health and Welfare registered institution for foreign patients since 2011 and a Seoul Medical Tourism cooperation clinic since 2016.
If you have an IUD fitted abroad that is due for removal or exchange, bring whatever documentation you have; ultrasound can identify the device if you are unsure of the type. Learn more on our international patients page, see our overview of gynecological care, or contact the clinic to book.
Private consultation
Talk it through with Dr. Yoon's team
English-speaking coordinators, a written treatment plan and a clear quote after your consultation. Same-day discharge for most procedures.
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 09:30–18:00 (KST). Closed Thu, Sun and holidays. 7F Sangkyung Building, 120 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Dr. Yoon Ho-joo, MD, PhD
OB/GYN specialist, Catholic University of Korea. Founder of Somssi Women's Clinic (2000). Published on female sexual function after reconstructive vaginal surgery; speaker at ESSM, ISSWSH, WAS and SMSNA.
Questions patients ask
Frequently asked questions
Short, honest answers. For anything personal, a consultation is the right place to ask.
Does IUD insertion hurt?
Most women feel a sharp cramp for a minute or two as the device passes the cervix, then period-like aches for a day or so. Taking a pain reliever an hour beforehand helps, and local anesthetic to the cervix is available. If you are anxious or have had painful procedures before, light sedation can be arranged so that you have no memory of the insertion.
Can I get an IUD if I have never had children?
Yes. Modern guidelines recommend IUDs for women of all ages, including teenagers and women who have never been pregnant. Insertion may be slightly more uncomfortable with a narrower cervix, and expulsion rates are a little higher, but effectiveness is the same and fertility is unaffected once the device is removed.
Which IUD is better, hormonal or copper?
It depends on your periods and preferences. If your periods are heavy or painful, a hormonal IUD will usually make them lighter or stop them. If you want to avoid hormones entirely, keep your natural cycle, or need emergency contraception today, the copper IUD is the better fit, accepting that flow may be heavier. Both are over 99% effective.
How soon does an IUD start working?
The copper IUD works immediately. A hormonal IUD works immediately if inserted within the first seven days of your period; if placed at another time, use condoms for seven days. If a copper IUD is fitted as emergency contraception within five days of unprotected sex, it also prevents that pregnancy.
Can my partner feel the IUD?
Your partner should not feel the device itself, which sits inside the uterus. Occasionally a partner notices the strings, which soften with time and curl around the cervix. If the strings are bothersome, they can be trimmed shorter at a follow-up visit. Feeling hard plastic at the cervix is a sign the IUD may be moving and needs checking.
How is an IUD removed and when can I get pregnant?
Removal takes a minute or two: the strings are grasped and the device slides out, with brief cramping. Fertility returns right away for both types, so if you do not want to conceive, start another method immediately. If you are planning pregnancy, you can start trying as soon as you feel ready; there is no need to wait.
Keep reading
Related treatments and guides
- Emergency Birth Control — the copper IUD as the most effective emergency option, compared with the pills
- Morning-After Contraceptive Options — pill options if an IUD is not right for you today
- Fibroid Treatment — why the uterine cavity is checked by ultrasound before fitting
- STI & STD Screening — screening offered before insertion to reduce infection risk
- HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) — how a hormonal IUD can protect the uterine lining during menopausal therapy
- International Patients — English counseling and single-visit insertion for visitors and residents
Sources and medical review
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Practice Bulletin on long-acting reversible contraception: implants and intrauterine devices
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria and Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use
- World Health Organization (WHO), Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use
Next step
A consultation first. A decision only when you are ready.
Tell us what you are experiencing and what you hope to change. Dr. Yoon examines, measures and explains the options, including when no surgery is the right answer. International patients can start with an online consultation before travelling to Seoul.
