My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic device shaped like a “T” which is placed into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUDs:
- The hormonal IUD (one brand name is Mirena) which contains the hormone levonorgestrel.
- The copper IUD (one brand name is ParaGard), which contains copper.
Both IUDs prevent pregnancy by making it difficult for the sperm and the egg to join. The copper IUD kills sperm and blocks sperm transport so fertilization is prevented. The hormonal IUD causes thickening of the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
The hormonal IUD can stay in your body and prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years, and the copper IUD lasts for up to 10 years. If you decide you’re ready to get pregnant, we can remove your IUD at any time during a short appointment.
Risk of pregnancy
This is a very effective method of birth control. The risk of pregnancy with either IUD is less than 1 percent.
Advantages of the hormonal IUD
- It is a highly effective method of birth control.
- It’s convenient. There’s nothing that you need to remember.
- If you want to get pregnant, the hormonal IUD can be easily removed. Once you have the hormonal IUD removed, you have the same chance as other women your age of becoming pregnant.
- The hormonal IUD reduces the amount of bleeding you have with your period. Some women will stop having a period completely.
- The IUD can reduce your risk of some cancers.
- You can use it safely if you are breastfeeding.
Disadvantages of the hormonal IUD
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Your IUD will need to be inserted by a doctor.
- You may have irregular bleeding or spotting for the first 6 weeks after insertion, and sometimes for up to 3 months after insertion.
- Possible side effects include acne, mood changes, and headaches.
- There is a small risk of pelvic infection during the first few weeks after insertion. This risk is higher if you are at risk of having an STD, for instance if you have multiple partners or are having unprotected sex.
- There is a small risk of spontaneous expulsion (when the IUD comes out by itself) or damage to the uterus at the time of insertion. These risks are extremely low.
- If your IUD fails and you do get pregnant, you have an increased chance of having a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy.
Advantages of the copper IUD
- It is a highly effective method of birth control.
- It is convenient: there is nothing you need to remember.
- If you want to get pregnant, the IUD can be easily removed. Once you have the IUD removed, you have the same chance as other women your age of becoming pregnant.
- You can use it safely if you are breastfeeding.
Disadvantages of the copper IUD
- The copper IUD does not protect against STDs.
- Your IUD will need to be inserted by a doctor.
- Your period might become heavier, last longer, and you might have strong menstrual cramps.
- There is a small risk of spontaneous expulsion (when the IUD comes out by itself) or damage to the uterus at the time of insertion. These risks are extremely low.
- If your IUD fails and you do get pregnant, you have an increased chance of having a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy.
Having the IUD inserted
- Let us know if you’re interested in getting an IUD.
- When it’s time to insert your IUD, we will use a small instrument called a speculum to gently spread the walls of the vagina. This allows us to see the cervix. The IUD is then inserted through your cervix into your uterus using a tube.
- The insertion is a very simple procedure and will only take a few minutes. Some women will feel mild pain or cramping during the insertion. Taking ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) before insertion can be helpful.
After the IUD is inserted
- You might have cramping or bleeding for the first 24 hours after your IUD is inserted. Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) can help with this.
- Some women need to use a back-up form of birth control for the first few days. We can let you know if this applies to you.
- The hormonal IUD can stay in your body and prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years, and the copper IUD lasts for up to 10 years.
It is a good idea for you to check for the IUD strings after your periods to be sure it is still in place. To do this: Insert your clean finger into the vagina and feel for your cervix at the end of your vaginal canal (it feels harder than the rest of your vagina). You should be able to feel the thin strings coming out of your cervix. If you can’t feel the strings or the strings are a lot longer than before and you’re concerned that your IUD may not be in place, let us know.
Having the IUD removed
- We can remove your IUD for you at any time. It may be a little easier to remove an IUD during menstruation because the cervix can be softer at that time.
- You will be able to get pregnant after your IUD is removed.
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.