Treatment

Quick facts

Korean name: 자궁내장치 시술 (미레나)
Procedure time: 5 to 10 minutes in the chair, about 30 to 45 minutes including ultrasound and paperwork
Anesthesia: Usually none; some clinics offer a cervical local anesthetic or a painkiller beforehand
Sessions: 1 insertion, plus a position check at 4 to 6 weeks
Downtime: 0 to 1 day; cramping for a few hours to a few days
Results: Copper IUD works immediately. Hormonal IUDs work immediately if fitted within 7 days of a period start, otherwise use backup contraception for 7 days
Lasts: Kyleena about 5 years; Mirena 5 to 8 years depending on the country's label; copper 5 to 10 years by model

What is IUD Insertion (Mirena, Kyleena, Copper)?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped device placed inside the uterus for long-term contraception. Gynecology clinics in Apgujeong and Sinsa stock the levonorgestrel systems Mirena and Kyleena and usually at least one copper IUD.

Many visitors and expats have one fitted in Seoul because the device price is lower than in the US or Australia and appointments are often available within a day or two.

How it works

The doctor checks the uterus with a speculum and usually a transvaginal ultrasound, measures its depth, then passes the folded IUD through the cervix with a thin inserter. Two fine strings are trimmed to sit in the upper vagina. Hormonal IUDs release a small dose of levonorgestrel that thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining. Copper IUDs contain no hormones and work by making the uterus hostile to sperm.

A follow-up ultrasound 4 to 6 weeks later confirms the position.

Who it suits

Women who want contraception lasting several years without daily pills
People with heavy or painful periods (Mirena reduces bleeding for most users)
Those who cannot take estrogen
Expats staying in Korea for a year or more who want low monthly cost

Who should skip it or wait

Current pregnancy or a pelvic infection that has not been treated
Unexplained vaginal bleeding not yet investigated
Uterine shapes that distort the cavity, such as large fibroids
Copper IUD: people with heavy periods or copper allergy

Side effects and risks

Cramping and spotting, often irregular for the first 3 to 6 months with hormonal IUDs
Expulsion, most often in the first year
Uterine perforation during insertion (rare, about 1 in 1,000)
Pelvic infection in the first 3 weeks after insertion
Heavier periods with copper IUDs

Aftercare

Take ibuprofen for cramping if your doctor agrees
Avoid tampons, baths and sex for 24 to 48 hours if advised
Feel for the strings after your first period
Return for the ultrasound check at 4 to 6 weeks, or have it done at home
Get seen urgently for fever, severe pelvic pain or foul discharge

Planning around your trip

Ask for the device brand, lot number and insertion date in English so a doctor at home can remove or replace it on time.

Women's Health clinics near Apgujeong

Mirae & Huimang OB-GYN Clinic (미래와희망산부인과의원)
Women's Health, 6 min walk from Hakdong Station
Hosan Women's Hospital (호산여성병원)
Women's Health, 8 min walk from Apgujeong Station
Cheongdam Mari OB-GYN Clinic (청담마리산부인과의원)
Women's Health, 5 min walk from Cheongdam Station
Cheongdam OB-GYN Clinic (청담산부인과의원)
Women's Health, 2 min walk from Hakdong Station
JL OB-GYN Clinic (제이엘산부인과의원)
Women's Health, 1 min walk from Sinsa Station
Yeon & Nature OB-GYN Clinic (연앤네이쳐산부인과의원)
Women's Health, 4 min walk from Cheongdam Station

Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.

IUD Insertion (Mirena, Kyleena, Copper) questions

How much does Mirena insertion cost in Seoul compared with Kyleena?

Gangnam clinics generally charge about KRW 300,000 to 450,000 including the device for either. Kyleena is smaller and sometimes priced slightly higher. Ask whether the ultrasound and the follow-up check are included.

Can I have the IUD fitted on the same day as my consultation?

Often yes, if the clinic has the device in stock and you are not pregnant. Some doctors prefer to fit it during or just after a period, when the cervix is slightly softer and pregnancy is easier to rule out.

How painful is insertion if I have never given birth?

Most people describe a sharp cramp lasting under a minute, stronger in those who have not had a vaginal birth. Ask about a cervical local anesthetic and take a painkiller an hour before.

Which IUD is better for heavy periods?

Mirena has the strongest effect on bleeding and is used as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding. Copper IUDs tend to make periods heavier, so they suit people with light or normal periods.

Can I fly home the day after insertion?

Yes. Flying does not affect the IUD. Pack painkillers and pads for spotting, and plan the 6-week position check with a doctor at home if you leave before then.

Will a Korean-fitted IUD be recognized by my doctor at home?

Mirena, Kyleena and common copper models are sold internationally, so any gynecologist can check or remove them. Keep the device card or receipt that names the model.

Is the IUD covered by Korean health insurance?

For contraception it is non-covered. If a doctor prescribes Mirena to treat diagnosed heavy or painful periods, part of the cost can be covered for people enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance.

Questions before you visit?

Women's health · 자궁내장치 시술 (미레나)

IUD Insertion at Gangnam Gynecology Clinics