To London for IUD?

November 2, 2005 1:19 PM

Should I go to the U.K. to get a Gynefix IUD since I can't get it in the US? If so, where should I go?

After much internet research, I've concluded that the Gynefix IUD is pretty much the ultimate form of birth control. Because of its smaller and more flexible design, unlike the nonhormonal IUDS available in the US, it can be successfully used in women who haven't had babies (like me). I don't want to use the hormone-containing IUDs available in the US, which can be used for nulliparous women, because I want to avoid hormones altogether. Alas, although Gynefix has apparently been submitted for FDA approval in the US in 1999, it is not yet available in the US. So here are my questions:
1) Would it be crazy for me to fly to London to get a Gynefix inserted? Would a doctor in the US be able to remove it if needed?
2) If I decided to go for it, where in London could I go? Marie Stopes? Cost is not the paramount concern for me.

PS - I would of course try to find a US OBGYN would would support my plan. I'm asking AskMe so I can start out my search well-informed.

posted by anonymous to health & fitness (5 comments total)

Many US doctors will insert the Paraguard IUD (copper only, no hormones) in women who have not had children. It may be worth calling around to find a more lenient doctor here before you start calling travel agencies.
posted by occhiblu at 1:31 PM on November 2, 2005

I have a copper IUD, and I've never had children. Is it that you can't find a doctor to insert one for you, or is it that you really want the Gynefix? I looked at the pictures of the Gynefix and it does look interesting, but it seems unnecessary to fly to London for birth control when I have been so happy with the Paraguard. My email is in my profile if you want my doctor's name or if I can answer any questions about insertion for you. That being said, I can't see there being any problems with the removal of a Gynefix in the US, as it seems to use the same sort of strings that my Paraguard does.
posted by astruc at 2:21 PM on November 2, 2005

Also, Planned Parenthood's official position seems to be that "most healthy women can use an IUD, including younger women who have not had children," so if your doctor won't do it, you might try contacting a PP health center.
posted by occhiblu at 3:03 PM on November 2, 2005

I had the paraguard also without having children - it was great. Unless you want an excuse to go to London - or this new IUD is supposed to be much much better - I'd suggest just finding a better doctor locally.
posted by Wolfie at 3:06 PM on November 2, 2005

After the Dalkon Shield IUD fiasco and resultant IUD hystaria in the US it was almsot impossible to get an IUD in the US. Lots of women made day trips to Canada to get an IUD inserted without any problems.
posted by Mitheral at 6:21 PM on November 2, 2005