What is an intrauterine device (IUD)?
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, plastic device that is inserted and left inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The IUD can be used by women of all ages, including teenagers and those who have never had children.
What are the types of IUDs?
Two types of IUDs are available in the United States: 1) the hormonal IUD and 2) the copper IUD. Both are T-shaped. The hormonal IUD lasts up to 5 years. The copper IUD lasts up to 10 years.
How effective are IUDs?
IUDs are among the most effective forms of birth control available. During the first year of typical use, fewer than 1 in 100 women using an IUD will become pregnant.
Are IUDs permanent?
Unlike sterilization, IUDs are reversible. If you want to get pregnant, the IUD can be removed. You can try to become pregnant right away after having it removed.
Do IUDs protect against sexually transmitted diseases?
Intrauterine devices do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (see the FAQ How to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases).
How do IUDs prevent pregnancy?
The hormonal IUD releases a small amount of the hormone progestin into the uterus. The copper IUD releases a small amount of copper into the uterus. Both types of IUDs are thought to prevent pregnancy mainly by preventing fertilization of the egg by the sperm.
How can I get an IUD?
A health care provider must insert and remove your IUD. He or she will review your medical history and will perform a routine exam to make sure you are able to use one.
Can all women use IUDs?
Women with certain infections or other health conditions may not be able to use an IUD. Also, the size or shape of some women’s uteruses may not be compatible with an IUD.
How is the IUD inserted?
Your health care provider puts the IUD in a long, slender plastic tube. He or she places it into the vagina and guides it through the cervix into the uterus. The IUD is then pushed out of the plastic tube into the uterus. The IUD springs open into place, and the tube is withdrawn.
What are some benefits of using the IUD?
Using an IUD has the following benefits:
- It is easy to use. Once it is in place, you do not need to do anything else to prevent pregnancy.
- It does not interfere with sexual intercourse or daily activities. You can use tampons while you have an IUD.
- It can be inserted immediately after childbirth and while breastfeeding.
- It is easily reversible. If you want to become pregnant, the IUD is simply removed.
- The hormonal IUD can help reduce period pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
What are the possible side effects of using the IUD?
Menstrual pain and heavy bleeding, as well as bleeding between periods, may increase with the copper IUD, especially in the first few months of use. Pain can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers. Pain and heavy bleeding usually decrease within 1 year of use. Irregular bleeding, heavier bleeding, and spotting can occur with the hormonal IUD, especially in the first 3– 6 months of use. For some women, menstrual bleeding stops completely within 2 years. A small number of women using the hormonal IUD may have side effects related to the hormone in the IUD. These include headaches, nausea, and breast tenderness. Some women may develop cysts on their ovaries. The cysts usually go away on their own in a month or two, but they may cause pain.
Are there any risks associated with IUD use?
Serious complications from use of an IUD are rare. However, some women do have problems:
- The IUD may come out of the uterus and move into the vagina.
- The IUD can perforate (or pierce) the wall of the uterus during insertion. It is rare and occurs in only about 1 out of every 1,000 insertions.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease may occur. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
- Rarely, pregnancy may occur while a woman is using an IUD. If pregnancy does occur, there also is a small increased risk that it will be an ectopic pregnancy.
What signs and symptoms should alert me to call my health care provider?
Call your gynecologist if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Severe pelvic pain
- Unexplained fever
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Signs of pregnancy, such as a missed period (although one of the side effects of the hormonal IUD is the absence of periods, you should tell your gynecologist the first time you miss one)
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- The IUD can be felt at the cervix or in the vagina
Do not try to remove an IUD yourself. An IUD must be removed by a doctor.