The IUD
The IUD
Small, “T-shaped” device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy
Safe, effective, and long lasting
Must be inserted by a health care provider
Is an IUD Right For Me?
The letters IUD stand for “intrauterine device.” IUDs are small, “T-shaped” devices made of flexible plastic. A c linician inserts an IUD into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy.
There are two types of IUD available in the United States — copper (ParaGard) and hormonal (Mirena or Skyla). The Paraguard contains copper and has no hormones and is effective for 10 years. The hormonal IUDs are release a small amount of progestin, and are effective for 3 to 5 years.
How Does an IUD Work?
Both the copper and hormonal IUDs work mainly by affecting the way sperm move so they can’t join with an egg. If sperm cannot join with an egg, pregnancy cannot happen.
For some women, hormonal IUDs may prevent the egg from leaving the ovary. Pregnancy cannot happen if there is no egg to join with sperm. Progestin also prevents pregnancy by thickening a woman’s cervical mucus. The mucus blocks sperm and keeps it from joining with an egg.
How Effective Is the IUD?
Effectiveness is an important and common concern when choosing a birth control method. IUDs are one of the most effective forms of birth control available. Less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they use an IUD.
Keep in mind that the IUD doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a condom along with the IUD to reduce the risk of infection.
The ParaGard IUD can be used as emergency birth control, to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 99.9 percent if inserted within 120 hours (five days) after unprotected intercourse.
How Safe Is the IUD?
Most women can use an IUD safely. But all medications have some risks, so safety is a common concern when choosing a birth control method. Certain conditions increase the risk of side effects. Talk with your health care provider about your health and whether an IUD is likely to be safe for you. There are many other methods of birth control that may be safe for you if you cannot use an IUD.
You should not use an IUD if you
have had a pelvic infection following either childbirth or an abortion in the past three months
have or may have a sexually transmitted infection or other pelvic infection
think you might be pregnant
have cervical cancer that hasn’t been treated
have cancer of the uterus
have unexplained bleeding in your vagina
have pelvic tuberculosis
have a uterine perforation during IUD insertion
A health care provider may find that the unique size, shape, or condition of a woman’s uterus does not allow correct placement of an IUD. This is not common.
You should not use the ParaGard IUD if you
have, or may have, an allergy to copper or have Wilson’s Disease — an inherited disease that blocks the body’s ability to get rid of copper
You should not use a hormonal IUD if you
have severe liver disease
have, or may have, breast cancer
If you have a condition that makes it unsafe to use an IUD, don’t worry. There are many other methods of birth control that may be safe for you. Read about other methods to find one that is right for you.
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