IUD INFORMATION
| What is the IUD? (Intra Uterine Device) |
• A plastic rod with 2 arms and a string. • About the size of a quarter. • Inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are 2 types of IUD in the US: the copper IUD and the progestin (hormone) IUD. (To choose the right one for you, see the chart at the bottom of the page.) |
| How well does the IUD work? | The IUD prevents pregnancy in 99% of women who use it. |
| Is the IUD safe? | Yes. Serious problems with the IUD are rare, and most happen the first few days. |
| Can I get an IUD if I've never had a baby? | Yes. |
| How is the IUD inserted? | After putting a speculum in the vagina, a medical provider inserts the IUD into the uterus. Many providers give pain medicine before the procedure. Some women have cramps and spotting for a few hours. |
| Does the IUD have side effects? | Yes. Most side effects last only for a few months. See other side for details. |
| Does the IUD cause infections? | No. |
| Does the IUD protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections? | No, the IUD does NOT protect you from sexually transmitted infections. Unless you and your partner have sex only with each other, you should use a latex condom every time you have sex (even with the IUD in place) to prevent infections. |
| Do I need to check the IUD? | You should be able to feel the IUD's string in your vagina. Check the string once a month. If you don't feel the string, call your medical provider. |
| Does the IUD cause an abortion? | No. The IUD works by preventing sperm from fertilizing eggs. |
| What happens when I want to get pregnant? | You need to go to your medical provider to remove the IUD. Most women get pregnant quickly after removing the IUD. |
| Can I use the IUD for emergency contraception? | Yes, the Copper IUD can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex as emergency contraception. |
Which IUD Is Right For Me?
| Copper IUD | Hormonal IUD | |
|---|---|---|
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|
| Brand name | Paragard® | Mirena® |
| How long can one IUD stay in the uterus? | 10-12 years | 5-7 years |
| Does it contain hormones? | No. | Yes: low dose of progestin (no estrogen) |
| Side effects | • Heavy periods • Cramps with your period |
• Spotting • Less common: bloating, nausea, headaches, breast pain • No period after a few months – this is not risky, and many women like it |
| Benefits | • No need to think about birth control at any time • Private • Works better than the pill, the patch, the ring, or the shot • Can be used while breastfeeding • Can be used as emergency contraception |
• No need to think about birth control at any time • Private • Works better than the pill, the patch, the ring, or the shot • Can be used while breastfeeding • Can decrease heavy periods, cramps, PMS |
| Cost | Covered by most insurance plans If not covered, may cost a few hundred dollars |
Covered by most insurance plans If not covered, may cost a few hundred dollars |