Contraception · IUD and implant options
Discuss IUD and implant options with an online GP
An online appointment can help you compare the questions that matter to you and prepare for the next step. The physical examination, insertion or removal is completed face to face by a trained local clinician.
Can I ask a HerDoc GP about an IUD or contraceptive implant?
Yes, if you want to compare these options, discuss a device already in place or understand whether a referral or local assessment may help. A HerDoc GP can review your goals, health history and previous contraception. If you already know that you only need insertion or removal, contact a trained local provider because HerDoc cannot perform the procedure through telehealth.
Compare the decisions that matter to you
An IUD sits inside the uterus, while an implant sits under the skin of the arm. They differ in their procedures, possible effects on bleeding and the health information a clinician needs.
Think about how you feel about a uterine or arm procedure, what you want for your periods, your future pregnancy plans and how often you want to think about contraception. A GP can answer your questions, explain broad differences and help you understand what local care may be needed next.
Prepare your history and questions
If available, have details of current and previous contraception, bleeding or pain patterns, medicines and supplements, allergies, pregnancy possibility, recent birth or breastfeeding, and relevant health conditions. If you already have a device, note when it was inserted and bring any procedure letter or record you have.
You might ask what the fitting or removal generally involves, what checks a receiving service may require, what symptoms warrant review and who provides the procedure locally. The online GP cannot confirm an external clinic's rules, availability or fees.
What can happen online
The GP can discuss your goals, health history, broad benefits and limitations, and questions to take to a procedure provider. A HerDoc GP can provide a referral when the doctor decides it is the right next step. HerDoc emails an issued referral directly to you so you can arrange the external appointment.
This discussion does not locate a device, rule out pregnancy or infection, or replace examination. It also does not confirm that a particular procedure provider will accept a referral or perform the procedure.
What happens locally
Insertion and removal are physical procedures completed by a clinician trained in that method. The receiving service decides its own eligibility, preparation, testing, appointment process and fee.
Contact the service before attending to ask what referral, records, tests or payment arrangements it needs. The receiving service decides whether it can accept the referral and perform the procedure.
Questions about a device already in place
You can talk online about bleeding, pain, side effects, removal questions or another concern, but some problems need local examination. Do not attempt to move or remove a device yourself based on website information.
If you cannot feel IUD threads, cannot feel an implant where expected, think either has moved, have pregnancy concerns or develop new symptoms, contact a trained local clinician for advice about how promptly you should be examined.
Seek local care when position, pregnancy or complications are a concern
Telehealth cannot examine you, check device position or perform insertion or removal. Arrange prompt local assessment for severe or worsening pelvic or abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fever, fainting, unusual discharge, pregnancy possibility with a device in place, or a concern that the device has moved.
Call 000 for collapse, severe bleeding, severe pain with signs of being very unwell or another emergency. Do not wait for a routine online appointment if symptoms feel unsafe.
Related pages
FAQs
Can I discuss an IUD or contraceptive implant with an online GP?
Yes. You can discuss your goals, history, past contraception and questions about either option. The GP can help you understand what information and local steps may be needed next.
Can the GP help me compare an IUD and an implant?
Yes. The conversation can compare where each device sits, the type of procedure involved, possible bleeding effects and how the options fit your priorities. No one option is best for everyone.
Can HerDoc insert an IUD or implant through telehealth?
No. Insertion is a physical procedure performed face to face by a clinician trained in the relevant method. HerDoc can provide an online GP discussion but does not perform the procedure through telehealth.
Can a HerDoc GP provide a referral for insertion?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can provide a referral when the doctor decides it is the right next step. HerDoc emails an issued referral directly to you; you then contact the receiving service, which makes its own decision about the appointment and procedure.
Can I discuss having an IUD or implant removed?
Yes. You can discuss why you want removal, symptoms, future plans and what local care may be needed. Removal itself is completed face to face by a trained clinician.
What information should I prepare before discussing a device?
Have your contraception history, period pattern, medicines, allergies, relevant health conditions and pregnancy possibility handy. If a device is already in place, include the type, insertion date and any records you have.
Can I ask how insertion or removal generally works?
Yes. The GP can explain the broad process and help you prepare questions for the local clinician. The receiving service should give you its own instructions because preparation and procedure details can vary.
Can I discuss bleeding or other possible side effects?
Yes. Describe the symptom, when it began, how it is changing and how it affects you. The GP can discuss whether local examination or another assessment is needed without assuming the device is the cause.
What if I have a concern about an IUD or implant already in place?
You can begin by describing the concern to a GP, but pain, heavy bleeding, fever, unusual discharge, pregnancy possibility or position concerns may need prompt local examination. Do not try to adjust or remove the device yourself.
What if I think my IUD or implant has moved?
Contact a clinician who can examine you because telehealth cannot confirm the position. Seek prompt local care if you also have pain, heavy bleeding, fever, unusual discharge or pregnancy concerns, and ask what to do about pregnancy prevention until you are assessed.
What if pregnancy is possible with a device in place?
Seek prompt medical advice. A clinician may need to confirm pregnancy and assess its location and your symptoms; severe or worsening pain, bleeding, faintness or collapse needs urgent local care.
Might I need pregnancy or STI testing before a procedure?
Possibly. The receiving clinician decides which tests are relevant based on timing, symptoms, history and local procedure requirements. A HerDoc phone appointment cannot perform those tests.
How do I find a trained clinician or receiving service?
Use the Healthdirect Service Finder or contact a local GP, family-planning service or clinic that advertises the relevant procedure. Confirm training, availability, referral requirements and fees directly with that service.
Are procedure, device and external-service costs included in the HerDoc consultation?
No. The HerDoc fee covers the GP consultation; any procedure, product, testing or external-service fee is set separately by the provider involved. Ask the receiving service about costs and any Medicare arrangements before booking.
Which symptoms with an IUD or implant need prompt or urgent local care?
Arrange prompt local assessment for severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, fever, fainting, unusual discharge, pregnancy concerns or possible movement. Call 000 for collapse, severe bleeding, severe pain with serious illness or another emergency.