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Learn about compatible browsersIntrauterine Devices (IUD)
Overview
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, t-shaped plastic device inserted into your uterus by your doctor to prevent pregnancy.
There are some advantages to getting an IUD. An IUD:
- Is reversible. If you decide you want to get pregnant or try a different birth control, your doctor can remove the IUD. It won’t affect your ability to get pregnant in the future.
- Can be used immediately after having a baby and while breastfeeding.
- Will prevent pregnancy for 3 to 12 years, depending on the type you get.
- Is one of the most effective forms of birth control. Out of 100 people using IUDs for a year, less than 1 will get pregnant.
- Is safe for most patients with medical conditions. If you have a medical condition, ask your clinician if the IUD is safe for you.
- Can be provided to teens confidentially. Talk with your doctor to learn more.
- Doesn’t need any regular maintenance.
An IUD doesn’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You’ll need to use a condom to reduce your risk of STIs.
Intrauterine Devices (IUD)
The IUD is placed inside the uterus. To place, your doctor will:
- Use a speculum to gently open the vagina.
- Place the IUD through your cervix and into your uterus, using a tube.
Intrauterine Devices (IUD)
The IUD is placed inside the uterus. To place, your doctor will:
- Use a speculum to gently open the vagina.
- Place the IUD through your cervix and into your uterus, using a tube.
Types of IUDs
There are 2 types of IUDs: hormonal and nonhormonal.
Hormonal IUD
The most common hormonal IUD brand is Mirena. This type of IUD:
- Contains the hormone progestin (levonorgestrel).
- Measures about 1 inch wide and 1½ inches long.
- Works to prevent pregnancy for at least 8 years.
Nonhormonal IUD
The most common nonhormonal IUD brand is Paragard. This type of IUD:
- Contains copper. It doesn’t use hormones.
- Measures about 1 inch wide and 1½ inches long.
- Works to prevent pregnancy for at least 12 years.
How It Works
The copper IUD and hormonal IUD work differently to prevent pregnancy.
The copper IUD causes sperm cells to stop moving so they can’t reach the egg. Since the sperm and egg can’t meet, pregnancy isn’t possible.
The hormonal IUD releases the hormone progestin. This hormone makes the mucus in your cervix too thick for sperm to pass through. The hormonal IUD may also stop the ovaries from releasing an egg.
How well does it prevent pregnancy?
Out of 100 people using an IUD for a year, less than 1 will get pregnant. It’s one of the most effective birth control methods.
How soon does it start working?
IUDs start working right away as soon as they are inserted.
How soon can I get pregnant after stopping?
After your IUD is removed, you can get pregnant within 1 to 2 weeks. Your chances of becoming pregnant will be the same as others in your age group who aren’t using birth control.
How It Is Placed and Removed
IUD placement is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes. After the IUD is inserted in your uterus, it works on its own.
Before placing the IUD, your doctor will ask you some health questions and do a pregnancy test.
When inserting the IUD, your doctor will:
- Use a small instrument (speculum) to gently open the vagina so they can see the cervix.
- Place the IUD through your cervix and into your uterus, using a tube.
Some people only feel mild pain or cramping during IUD insertion. Others may experience more pain or discomfort; it's different for everyone. There are options you can discuss with your clinician to help reduce the pain you may experience, including:
- Numbing medicine placed in or around the cervix
- Medications to help reduce pain or anxiety taken before the appointment
An IUD has thin strings attached to the end that hang outside of the cervix (lower part of the uterus). You and your partner usually won’t be able to feel the strings during sex. They remain deep inside your vagina.
After IUD placement
You may also have cramping or irregular bleeding for the first few months after your IUD is inserted.
To check for the IUD strings to be sure your IUD is still in place:
- Insert a clean finger into your vagina.
- Feel for your cervix at the end of the vagina (it feels firm, like the tip of your nose).
- Feel for the thin strings at the opening of your cervix.
Strings can be difficult to feel. If you can’t feel the strings, contact your doctor.
Removing the IUD
IUD removal is a quick procedure. A doctor should remove the IUD for you. They’ll gently pull on the strings, and the IUD should slip out easily with minimal or no discomfort.
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are many things to consider when choosing your birth control. What you may think of as an advantage may be a disadvantage to another person. These are some of what many people consider the advantages and disadvantages of IUDs.
Advantages
- Effectiveness. Of 100 people using IUDs for a year, less than 1 will get pregnant.
- Duration. IUDs work for 8 to 12 years, depending on the type.
- Privacy. No one will know you have it unless you tell them.
- Convenience. You don’t need to remember to use it during sex.
- Reversibility. If you no longer want the IUD, you simply have the IUD removed by your doctor.
- Doesn’t contain hormones if you’re using a copper IUD, which some consider an advantage.
- May make your period lighter, less painful, or absent completely if you’re using a hormonal IUD. This is safe and some consider this an advantage.
Disadvantages
- Requires placement by a doctor.
- Irregular vaginal bleeding may occur for 3 to 6 months after placement. This is typically light.
- Rarely can come out on its own or require a special procedure to remove the IUD.
- Possible, but uncommon, that your partner feels the IUD strings during sex.
Side Effects
You may experience cramps or backaches during the IUD insertion and for a few days after the procedure. Taking an over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen, can help.
Serious complications and side effects are rare. They may include the IUD poking through the wall of the uterus, falling out, or infection.
If irregular bleeding continues for more than 6 months after your IUD is placed, contact your doctor.
Hormonal IUD side effects
You may have extra spotting or light vaginal bleeding between periods for 3 to 6 months. Your period may also stop completely. This is a safe and normal effect of the hormonal IUD, but some people don’t like this.
Other possible side effects of the hormonal IUD include:
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Headache
- Changes in vaginal discharge
Copper IUD side effects
You may have irregular bleeding for the first few months, which is normal. If it continues for longer than 6 months, contact your doctor.
Other possible side effects of the copper IUD include:
- Longer-lasting, heavier periods
- Stronger menstrual cramps
- Changes in vaginal discharge
Additional References
Disclaimer
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.