We need 20 women from the Loddon Mallee region to help us raise community awareness about intrauterine devices.

It's all about letting the community know more about IUDs and improving access to this form of contraception for women.

We're getting some wonderful help from renowned expert Dr Paddy Moore from The Women’s Hospital who will travel to Bendigo to oversee free clinics that will help women get access to IUDs and build the capacity of local health practitioners to deliver the service to the community.

So we need volunteers to attend the Bendigo Community Health Services Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub at the Central site in Hargreaves Street for the free clinics in late March.

You will need only pay for the IUD device.

Our sexual health team is committed to raising community awareness about the benefits of intrauterine devices as a form of contraception and ensure this lifestyle choice becomes more accessible to all women.

Sexual health nurse Mary-Anne McCluskey explains an intrauterine device is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy or help manage heavy and painful periods.

“Australia offers two types of IUD - a hormonal form called Mirena and Copper IUD which is non-hormonal,” Mary-Anne said.

“The reality is both types of IUD can be inserted in a clinic room during a 20-minute consultation with no need for general anaesthetic.

“The Mirena is 99.8 per cent effective and lasts five years. With a health care card the cost is around $5.40 or with a Medicare card you’re looking at around $38.50.

“The Copper IUD is 99.2 per cent effective and lasts between five and 10 years depending on the type used. This is more expensive at around $75 with no health care card rebate available.

Mary-Anne said IUDs provided a great alternative for women sick of taking the pill every day.

“For some women heavy periods can actually stop them from attending work, playing sport or studying. It just makes life challenging and an IUD is a viable option to try and change this,” she said.

With limited places in the IUD clinics people interested should call our Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub team on 5448 1600.

To learn more about the Bendigo Community Health Services Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub or Women’s Health Clinic please visit www.bchs.com.au or call 5448 1600.