Why was the Flexi-T developed?
The Flexi-T was developed on the basis of accredited studies, using data obtained from uterine cavity measurements taken with the Kurz Cavimeter. The studies included 795 fertile women of all ages and parous categories (no previous pregnancies, one previous pregnancy, or multiple previous pregnancies). Based on the data, it can be concluded that the dimensions of the uterus are affected by the number of previous pregnancies. The Flexi-T was developed on the basis of this knowledge. There are two different sizes: the standard IUD, for women who have already had children and the smaller IUD for women who have not given birth before.
The optimal shape and the flexible material reduces the risk of expulsion and minimises potential side effects, like spotting and discomfort. The narrow insertion tube without a plunger makes the Flexi-T easy to insert, minimising discomfort, and removal is easy and relatively painless. There is a near-zero risk of perforation due to the rounded corners of the IUD and use of the narrow insertion tube without a plunger. With the fundus seeking design, its high flexibility and the easy insertion system Flexi-T has proven to be the optimal IUD for millions of women.
The clinical trial involving 1150 women of all ages and parous categories (no pregnancies, one pregnancy, multiple pregnancies) concluded, that the Flexi-T is safe and offers women a high standard of contraceptive protection.
Efficacy of the Flexi-T IUD’s.
The traces of copper released locally by the IUD cause the sperm cells to lose their mobility, thereby preventing fertilization. In addition, should an egg become fertilized, Flexi-T prevents it from embedding in the lining of the womb. This means the IUD is also perfectly suited for use as ‘Morning After’ contraception (option up to a maximum of 5 days after the “accident”). This double action starts as soon as the Flexi-T has been inserted.
Which Flexi-T models are available?
Flexi-T+ 380
Dimensions:
Length of shaft: 32 mm
Transverse arms: 28mm
Copper surface:
380 mm2
Bioactive component:
Copper wire of highest purity
(99.9%) on the shaft and 2 copper
tubes on the transverse arms
Material of the carrier:
Polypropylene mixed with barium sulfate for visibility to x-ray
Recommended application:
Contraception for multiparous anduniparous women
Uterine sound length (≥ 6 cm)
Postcoital interception
Flexi-T+ 300
Dimensions:
Length of shaft: 32 mm
Transverse arms: 28mm
Copper surface:
300 mm2
Bioactive component:
Copper wire of highest purity (99.9%) on the shaft
.
Material of the carrier:
Polypropylene mixed with barium sulfate for visibility to x-ray
Recommended application:
Contraception multiparous and uniparous women
Uterine sound length (≥ 6 cm)
Postcoital interception
Flexi-T 300
Dimensions:
Length of shaft: 29 mm
Transverse arms: 23mm
Copper surface:
300 mm2
Bioactive component:
Copper wire of highest purity (99.9%) on the shaft
.
Material of the carrier:
Polypropylene mixed with barium sulfate for visibility to x-ray
Recommended application:
Contraception nulliparous women and women in menopause
Uterine sound length (≥ 5 cm)
Postcoital interception
Flexi-T 300
The Flexi-T 300 is the smallest copper IUD available (29 mm long and 23 mm wide, wrapped with 300 mm² of copper wire). It is ideal for women who have not given birth (yet), since research shows that nulliparous women have smaller uterine cavities. This is also the ideal solution for women in menopause who still want to use contraception. The IUD is easy to insert, and insertion is almost completely painless.
Since the Flexi-T does not contain any hormones, the body’s natural hormonal balance is not disrupted and the menstrual cycle remains normal.
The Flexi-T 300 offers 5 years of optimal contraceptive protection.
Flexi-T+ 300
The Flexi-T+ 300 is the bigger version of the Flexi-T 300 (32 mm long and 28 mm wide, wrapped with 300 mm² of copper wire) and ideal for women who have given birth to one or more children, since research shows that the uterus is somewhat larger after pregnancy. The IUD is easy to insert, and insertion is almost completely painless.
Since the Flexi-T does not contain any hormones, the body’s natural hormonal balance is not disrupted and the menstrual cycle remains normal.
The Flexi-T+ 300 offers 5 years of optimal contraceptive protection.
Flexi-T+ 380
Similar to the Flexi-T+ 300, the Flexi-T+ 380 is a bigger version of the Flexi-T 300 (32 mm long and 28 mm wide, containing 380 mm² of copper). The difference between the Flexi-T+ 300 and the Flexi-T+ 380 is the amount of copper and how it is distributed. The vertical axis of the Flexi-T+ 380 is wrapped with 300 mm² of copper wire, supplemented by copper on the arms of the T-shape (for a total of 380 mm² of copper), boosting effectiveness.
This IUD is ideal for women in their most fertile period (20-35 years old) who have given birth to one or more children, since research shows that the uterus is somewhat larger after pregnancy. The IUD is easy to insert, and insertion is almost completely painless.
Since the Flexi-T does not contain any hormones, the body’s natural hormonal balance is not disrupted and the menstrual cycle remains normal.
The Flexi-T+ 380 offers 5 years of optimal contraceptive protection.
For whom is the Flexi-T suitable?
In principle, the Flexi-T is suitable for all women during their reproductive period (from first menstruation to menopause) who have not had any children or who have given birth to one or more children, except in cases involving uterine abnormalities.
The Flexi-T is ideal for women who want to opt for long-term, carefree protection from pregnancy as naturally as possible without using hormonal birth control.
The Flexi-T is also suitable for women who are breast feeding, for contraception between pregnancies, or as an alternative to sterilisation.
Benefits of Flexi-T
- Flexi-T is very small and flexible
- Flexi-T is easily inserted with relatively no discomfort
- Flexi-T uses a narrow insertion tube (3.5 mm)
- Flexi-T does not use a plunger, so there is negligible risk of perforation during insertion
- Flexi-T has a good shape
- Flexi-T is reliable
- Flexi-T is is visible on X-rays and ultrasound
- 5 years protection
- Flexi-T does not contain any hormones
- Flexi-T is suitable for use by most women
- Flexi-T offers protection as soon as it’s in place
- Fully fertile again immediately after removal
Side effects/contra indications
Possible side effects
- Abdominal pains and cramps
- Longer and havier menstruation after insertion
- Spotting throughout menstrual cycle which should decrease over time
- Copper allergy (rare; always notify your doctor if you are allergic)
- An extremely small chance of perforation of the womb
Do not use Flexi-T or have this type of IUD inserted in the event of:
- Pregnancy
- Infection of the womb (including Pelvic inflammatory Disease)
- Bleeding of unknown origin
- Polyps or fibroids (myoma) inside the womb
- Possibility of ectopic pregnancy
- Malformation of the womb
- Cancer of the womb
- Copper allergy
- Anaemia
- Womb too small
Reliability of Flexi-T
The Flexi-T is very reliable. There is a minimal risk (less than 1%) of pregnancy. In practice, the Flexi-T is just as reliable as the pill. This also applies to emergency contraception, up to a maximum of 5 days after “the accident” a copper IUD is more effective than the “morning after pill”.