Comprehensive Guide to Female Birth Control IUDs: Effectiveness, Side Effects, and Considerations
What is an IUD? How does an IUD work to prevent pregnancy? What are the benefits and potential side effects of IUDs? Get answers to these and other questions about female birth control IUDs.
Understanding the IUD: Definition and Types
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is placed inside a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types of IUDs available: the copper IUD and the hormonal (progestin) IUD.
How IUDs Work to Prevent Pregnancy
The copper IUD prevents pregnancy by not allowing the sperm to fertilize the egg. It may also make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus. The hormonal IUD works in a similar way, but also thickens the cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining. In some cases, it can stop ovulation, the release of an egg during the monthly cycle, further preventing fertilization.
Effectiveness of IUDs in Preventing Pregnancy
Both types of IUDs are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Over the course of a year, fewer than 1 out of 100 typical couples using an IUD will have an accidental pregnancy. The copper IUD is effective as soon as it is inserted and can last up to 10 years, while the hormonal IUD can work for 3 to 6 years, depending on the brand.
Potential Side Effects and Risks of IUDs
The most common side effects of IUDs include irregular bleeding, heavier periods with more cramps (with the copper IUD), lighter and shorter periods (or no periods) with some progestin IUDs, and PMS-like symptoms such as moodiness, headaches, acne, nausea, and breast tenderness (with the hormonal IUD). Rare but serious problems include expulsion of the IUD, perforation of the uterus, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Who is an IUD Right For?
IUDs are a good birth control option for many people, but are not recommended for someone with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or an active sexually transmitted infection (STI), who is already pregnant or may be pregnant, or who has problems with their uterus, such as a disease or malformation, or abnormal bleeding. Experts often recommend IUDs as a good birth control option for younger adults and teens.
Accessing and Inserting an IUD
An IUD must be inserted by a doctor or nurse practitioner, either at a doctor’s office or a health clinic like Planned Parenthood. The insertion process only takes a few minutes, but may cause some cramping. Over-the-counter pain medication and a heating pad can help with any discomfort after the IUD is placed.
Cost and Insurance Coverage for IUDs
The cost of an IUD can vary depending on your health insurance coverage and the type of IUD. Many health insurance plans cover the costs, and family planning clinics may charge less, particularly for teens and young adults. Because an IUD lasts for many years, the overall cost works out to about the same as monthly birth control methods.
When to Contact a Doctor
If you have an IUD, it’s important to call your doctor if you suspect you might be pregnant, notice a change in the length of the IUD string, have a change in the smell or color of your vaginal discharge, have lasting cramping or pain, have an unexplained fever or chills, or experience belly, pelvic, or pain during sex.
What is the difference between the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD?
The main difference is that the copper IUD prevents pregnancy by not allowing the sperm to fertilize the egg and potentially making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant, while the hormonal IUD also thickens the cervical mucus, thins the uterine lining, and in some cases, stops ovulation. The copper IUD is effective immediately and can last up to 10 years, while the hormonal IUD lasts for 3 to 6 years depending on the brand.
How effective are IUDs at preventing pregnancy?
IUDs are very effective at preventing pregnancy. Over the course of a year, fewer than 1 out of 100 typical couples using an IUD will have an accidental pregnancy. This makes IUDs one of the most effective forms of birth control available.
What are the potential side effects of IUDs?
The most common side effects of IUDs include irregular bleeding, heavier periods with more cramps (with the copper IUD), lighter and shorter periods (or no periods) with some progestin IUDs, and PMS-like symptoms such as moodiness, headaches, acne, nausea, and breast tenderness (with the hormonal IUD). Rare but serious problems include expulsion of the IUD, perforation of the uterus, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Who should not use an IUD?
IUDs are generally not recommended for someone with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or an active sexually transmitted infection (STI), who is already pregnant or may be pregnant, or who has problems with their uterus, such as a disease or malformation, or abnormal bleeding.
How much do IUDs cost, and are they covered by insurance?
The cost of an IUD can vary, but many health insurance plans cover the costs. Family planning clinics may also charge less, particularly for teens and young adults. Because an IUD lasts for many years, the overall cost works out to about the same as monthly birth control methods.
When should I call the doctor about my IUD?
You should call your doctor if you suspect you might be pregnant, notice a change in the length of the IUD string, have a change in the smell or color of your vaginal discharge, have lasting cramping or pain, have an unexplained fever or chills, or experience belly, pelvic, or pain during sex.
The IUD (for Teens) – Nemours KidsHealth
What Is an IUD?
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a piece of T-shaped plastic, about the size of a quarter, that is placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Two types of IUDs are available: one is covered with copper, the other releases the hormone progestin.
How Does an IUD Work?
The copper-coated IUD prevents pregnancy by not allowing the sperm to fertilize the egg. It may also make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.
An IUD coated with progestin works in a similar way, but also thickens the cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining. In some cases, it stops
ovulation(the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). This prevents sperm from fertilizing the egg and implanting.
A progestin IUD also can be used to help reduce blood flow if you have heavy or painful periods.
How Well Does an IUD Work to Prevent Pregnancy?
Both types of IUDs are very effective at preventing pregnancy.
Over the course of a year, fewer than 1 out of 100 typical couples using an IUD will have an accidental pregnancy.
The copper IUD is effective as soon as it is put in and lasts up to 10 years. Progestin IUDs can work for 3 to 6 years, depending on the brand. This makes the IUD a good option for anyone who isn’t ready to start a family. Even though an IUD can stay in place for a long time, the doctor or nurse practitioner can remove it at any time.
Does an IUD Help Prevent STDs?
No. The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Couples who are having sex must always use condoms along with the IUD to protect against STDs.
A doctor or nurse practitioner will check to be sure a woman doesn’t have any STDs before putting in an IUD. Getting an IUD put in while she has an STD could lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always prevents pregnancy and STDs.
Are There Any Problems With IUDs?
The most common side effects of the IUD include:
- irregular bleeding for the first few months
- with the copper IUD, heavier periods with more cramps
- lighter and shorter periods (or no periods) with some kinds of progestin IUDs
- PMS-like symptoms such as moodiness, headaches, acne, nausea, and breast tenderness with the hormonal IUD
Rare problems include:
Expulsion.
An IUD can come out of the uterus by accident (called “expulsion”). Sometimes a woman doesn’t know this has happened. If an IUD comes even part of the way out, it does not protect against pregnancy. After someone has an IUD inserted, she’ll need to go back for a follow-up visit to check that the IUD is properly in place.
Perforation of the uterus. There’s an extremely small risk that an IUD might push through the wall of the uterus while it is being put in.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). There’s a very low risk of infection from bacteria getting into the uterus during IUD insertion. Most such infections happen in the first 20 days after placement of the IUD.
Who Is an IUD Right for?
IUDs are a good birth control option for many people, but aren’t recommended for someone:
- with PID or an active STD infection
- who is already pregnant or may be pregnant
- who has problems with her uterus, like a disease or malformation, or has abnormal bleeding
Experts recommend IUDs as a good birth control option for younger adults and teens because they last for many years, need no daily care, and are very effective at preventing pregnancy.
Where Are IUDs Available?
An IUD must be inserted by a doctor or
nurse practitioner. This can be done at the doctor’s office, or at a health clinic, like Planned Parenthood. It can be inserted anytime during a menstrual cycle as long as there’s no existing pregnancy.
How Is an IUD Put In?
The doctor or nurse practitioner puts the IUD in through the vagina, past the cervix, and into the uterus. This only takes a few minutes from start to finish. You might feel some cramping during the placement, but it gets better within a few minutes.
Taking it easy for the rest of the day, using a heating pad, and taking over-the-counter pain medicine can help with any discomfort after the IUD is placed.
How Much Does an IUD Cost?
The cost of an IUD can vary depending on your health insurance and the type of IUD. Many health insurance plans cover the costs, and family planning clinics (such as Planned Parenthood) may charge less, particularly for teens and young adults.
Because an IUD lasts for many years, the cost works out to about the same as monthly birth control methods, such as the Pill or ring.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
If you have an IUD, call the doctor if you:
- might be pregnant
- notice a chance in the length of the IUD string
- have a change in the smell or color of vaginal discharge
- have lasting cramping or pain
- have unexplained fever or chills
- have belly or pelvic pain
- have pain during sex
- have heavy or long-lasting vaginal bleeding
Medically reviewed by: Lonna P. Gordon, MD
Date reviewed: January 2022
IUD Birth Control | Info About Mirena & Paragard IUDs
In This Section
IUD
How effective are IUDs?
How can I get an IUD?
What’s an IUD insertion like?
Are there IUD side effects?
How safe are IUDs?
What are the benefits of IUDs?
What are the disadvantages of IUDs?
How does IUD removal work?
What are hormonal IUDs?
What are non-hormonal IUDs?
What is an IUD? Learn About IUD Effectiveness | Planned Parenthood Video
What’s an IUD?
An IUD is a tiny device that’s put into your uterus to prevent pregnancy.
It’s long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective birth control methods out there.
What does IUD stand for?
IUD stands for Intrauterine Device (basically: a device inside your uterus). It’s a small piece of flexible plastic shaped like a T. Sometimes it’s called an IUC — intrauterine contraception.
What are the types of IUDs?
There are 5 different brands of IUDs that are FDA approved for use in the United States:
- Paragard,
- Mirena,
- Kyleena,
- Liletta, and
- Skyla.
These IUDs are divided into 2 types:
- hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla).
- copper IUDs (Paragard) and
The Paragard IUD doesn’t have hormones. It’s wrapped in a tiny bit of copper, and it protects you from pregnancy for up to 12 years.
The Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla IUDs use the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. Progestin is very similar to the hormone progesterone that our bodies make naturally.
Mirena works for up to 8 years. Kyleena works for up to 5 years. Liletta works for up to 8 years. Skyla works for up to 3 years.
How do IUDs work?
Both copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy by changing the way sperm cells move so they can’t get to an egg. If sperm can’t make it to an egg, pregnancy can’t happen.
The Paragard IUD uses copper to prevent pregnancy. Sperm doesn’t like copper, so the Paragard IUD makes it almost impossible for sperm to get to that egg.
The hormones in the Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla IUDs prevent pregnancy in two ways: 1) they thicken the mucus that lives on the cervix, which blocks and traps the sperm, and 2) the hormones also sometimes stop eggs from leaving your ovaries (called ovulation), which means there’s no egg for a sperm to fertilize. No egg, no pregnancy.
One of the awesome things about IUDs is that they last for years — but they’re not permanent. If you decide to get pregnant or you just don’t want to have your IUD anymore, your nurse or doctor can quickly and easily take it out.
You’re able to get pregnant right after the IUD is removed.
Can IUDs be used as emergency contraception?
Yes! The Paragard, Mirena, and Liletta IUDs work super well as emergency contraception. If you get one of these IUDs put in within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, it’s more than 99% effective. It’s actually the most effective way to prevent pregnancy after sex.
Another great thing about using an IUD as emergency contraception: you can keep it and have really effective birth control that you can use for up to 8 to12 years (depending on which kind you get). The other kind of emergency contraception is the morning-after pill. You can take it up to 5 days after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
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IUD
99% effective
Costs up to $1,300, but can be $0
Put in by a doctor or nurse
Lasts up to 12 years
This IUD doesn’t protect you from STDs. Use a condom with your IUD to help stop pregnancy and STDs.
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Intravaginal contraception | KLRTS
Moscow, st. Partizanskaya, 41
Kuntsevsky
medical and rehabilitation center.
Specialists
Intravaginal contraception is the prevention of pregnancy in every possible way. There are many contraceptives of varying effectiveness.
But still in Russia they do a lot of abortions, mostly at the request of a woman.
How to use intravaginal contraceptives and what results to expect, we will talk about this on this page.
Which doctor to contact
To decide which vaginal contraceptive option is right for you, you need an examination and consultation with a gynecologist. Only a specialist who has studied the characteristics of your body can choose the best option for protection.
Varieties of methods
The best way to avoid unplanned pregnancy and prevent the development of female pathologies is the right choice of contraception.
A gynecologist will conduct an examination and select a contraceptive on a personal basis.
Male condom is the most effective contraceptive. The tool protects against unplanned pregnancy and all sexually transmitted infections. Suitable for almost everyone, if there is no allergy to latex. The advantage of this method is affordability and prevalence. The disadvantage is that the condom often breaks, which can cause pregnancy. In addition, the condom reduces sensitivity in closeness. The effectiveness of the tool is estimated at 85-95%. Suitable for people who have an intense sex life.
Female condom – is a bag of elastic material, inserted into the vagina. The tool is less effective, as it breaks much more often. In addition, the partner’s penis may be between the wall of the vagina and the condom. Efficiency also ranges from 85 to 95%.
Hormonal preparations – are considered a reliable method in terms of protection against unwanted conception.
But a woman must completely trust her partner, since the funds do not protect against infectious diseases. Tablets must be selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the female body. The drugs have side effects, such as being overweight. The remedy must be drunk for 21 days at the same time. If you skip taking the drug, you can get pregnant.
Tablets cope well with hormonal imbalance, regulate the menstrual cycle, allow you to get rid of severe pain during menstruation, acne and hair loss. It is recommended to take medicines for women after 25 years, since in younger girls a growing body gives fluctuations in hormonal levels. Efficiency – 95-100% with the correct use of the drug.
Intrauterine device – suitable for women with children who have a regular sex life. The device is inserted into the uterine cavity for 3-5 years. In the absence of contraindications, the spiral does not cause any trouble to the patient.
The product serves as a means of protection against unwanted pregnancy for 90-95%. It is necessary to undergo an examination before putting a spiral.
Making an appointment with a gynecologist
To make an appointment, choose any method:
- call the clinic +7 (495) 103-99-55,
- order a callback,
- leave an application for an appointment, through a convenient form on the website:
Appointments
Diaphragms and caps – devices that are inserted into the vagina every time before sex. The product must remain inside for at least 6 hours after intercourse. The effectiveness of the contraceptive is 90-98%, and depends on the woman’s attention to the time of installation and withdrawal.
Vaginal ring – a round device inserted into the vagina and releases special hormones into the blood. The ring is installed for a month and does not interfere with sexual relations.
Efficiency is 91-99%. The contraceptive is changed every cycle.
Vaginal suppositories – disposable product, enough for about an hour. Apply immediately before sexual intercourse. Suitable for women who lead an irregular intimate life, nursing mothers, nulliparous women. They protect against unplanned conception by 80-90%. They protect against many infectious diseases, in particular – from HIV. But the threat of infection is not completely eliminated.
Vaginal sponge is a small swab impregnated with a spermicidal solution. The sponge adheres tightly to the wall of the uterus. Combines chemical and mechanical protection. Efficiency ranges from 80 to 95% when administered correctly. Shown to nursing mothers, as they do not change the hormonal background.
Emergency methods of contraception . These drugs are highly effective in protecting against unwanted pregnancy. They are used by women in case of “fire” contraception: condom breakage, casual relationships, violence.
The tool can be used within 5 days after sexual intercourse, but the sooner you start taking it, the higher the effectiveness – 95-100%. A side effect may be a permanent cycle disorder.
In practice, people often use physiological methods such as coitus interruptus and douching. But, I must say that these methods do not give a 100% guarantee. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Which method is right for you, experienced specialists know.
Why is it worth getting an examination in our clinic? Experienced doctors will conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient for intravaginal contraception:
- cytology,
- general blood tests,
- hormonal tests,
- bacteriological smear culture,
- colposcopy;
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
Based on the study, taking into account age, sexual activity, and the structure of internal organs, the gynecologist will compile a list of options that are right for you.
If coil insertion is required, this process can be provided here at the clinic. The doctor will talk with the patient about the regularity of sexual relations and the need for safety from infectious and viral diseases. Together you will choose the right contraceptive for you.
Doctors of the highest category work in the Kuntsevsky Medical Center. The use of modern equipment and high-tech devices give excellent results. Sign up for our clinic!
You may find it useful:
- Gynecologist’s appointment
- Urologist’s appointment
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasound examinations (ultrasound)
- Laboratory Diagnostics
- Colposcopy
- Endocrinologist appointment
- Dermatologist appointment
- Therapeutic massage
- Physiotherapy
- Reflexology
- Dermatoscopy
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7 types of female contraception: From patches to pills
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Darina Zhunusova
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Finding the best contraceptive is like looking for a life partner .
We will help shorten this path. We analyze seven types of contraception and tell you which one and why is right for you.
We remind you that before using any contraceptive, you must always consult a doctor.
Birth control pills
Photo: Getty Images comfort on hormones, supplementing estrogen and progesterone levels. “These hormones suppress ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the lining of the uterus,” says Amy Bryant, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical University of North Carolina.
Efficacy of the tablet: If you follow the instructions and take the tablets at the same time every day, then their effectiveness is estimated at 98%. But at the slightest violation, the effectiveness of the tablets is reduced to 92%.
Side effects: The general side effects of the tablets are quite mild: nausea, soreness in the chest, headaches.
Positive Side Effects: Tablets may reduce cramps and help with irregular cycles. Because the pills prevent ovulation, they help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, experts at the Mayo Clinic say.
How to know if pills are right for me: “If you’re a woman who doesn’t have problems taking pills every day and doesn’t have risk factors like smoking or high blood pressure, then pills might be right for you,” says Dr. Bryant.
Patch
Photo: Getty Images
How the patch works: Once applied to the skin, it releases hormones into the human body. Hormones only work for seven days. Therefore, the patch must be changed weekly. Just like with tablets, regularity is important in using the patch.
Effectiveness of the patch: The contraceptive patch can prevent unwanted pregnancy by 98% if used correctly, but if used incorrectly, the figure drops to 91%.
Side effects: Side effects from the patch are generally not significant. Nausea, chest pain and headaches may occur, especially in the first few months of use. Also according to Dr. Bryant, the patch contains a higher dose of estrogen than the pill and may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How to know if the patch is right for me: This type of contraception is not suitable for smokers or women with high blood pressure.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Photo: Getty Images to take a smear). The IUD prevents sperm from reaching your eggs. This type of contraception, unlike pills or patches, does not affect menstruation.
IUD Efficiency: The IUD guarantees birth control over 99%. Its effectiveness cannot be reduced under any circumstances.
IUD side effects: According to Dr. Bryant, there may be some discharge at first.
Soreness in the area of the mammary glands or acne is not for long.
How do I know if the IUD is right for me: Women usually speak positively about the IUD, because the system is put on for several years – from three to ten. If your period is painful and causes cramps, a hormonal IUD can help relieve period pain.
If you are looking for a non-hormonal method of contraception, copper IUD is the most suitable.
Implant
Photo: Getty Images
How the implant works: A small piece of plastic (the size of a match) is inserted under the skin on the arm. “Every day, it releases a small amount of a hormone that suppresses ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and evens out the lining of the uterus,” says Dr. Bryant.
Implant efficiency: This type of contraception is considered the most effective, as it guarantees more than 99.5% birth control.
Implant side effects: This form of contraception has the usual list of potential side effects: breast tenderness and headaches.
There may also be mood swings and decreased sex drive, according to Mayo Clinic experts. The other most common side effect is temporary bleeding.
How to know if an implant is right for me: This type of contraception is suitable for those who don’t like the idea of placing something in their uterus. In addition, the implant is effective for three years.
Vaginal ring
Photo: Getty Images It blocks ovulation with estrogen and progesterone. “The patient is inserted into the vaginal ring once a month. They absorb hormones,” says Heather Bell, MD, a board-certified gynecologist in Illinois.
Ring Effectiveness: The ring is 91% effective according to the CDC.
Side effects: The ring has side effects that are similar to pills and other hormonal birth control methods. Some bleeding may occur in the first few months.
How to know if a vaginal ring is right for me: The ring contains a lower dose of estrogen than most pills.
Therefore, if you are afraid of hormonal contraceptives, a ring may be a more attractive option for you.
Condoms
Photo: Getty Images atoms in the uterus. This is the only type of contraception that will protect not only from unwanted pregnancy, but also from sexually transmitted infections.
Condom effectiveness: Given the possibility of user negligence, the guaranteed effectiveness of condoms is estimated at only 82%.
Side effects of condoms: “Condom use can reduce sexual pleasure for some. Some may also experience an allergy or irritation,” says Dr. Bryant.
How do I know if condoms are right for me? Contraceptives for adolescents should protect not only from unwanted pregnancy, but also from sexually transmitted diseases, as well as HIV infection.
Emergency contraception (“morning pill”)
Photo: Getty Images ovulation delay.