INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD)

What is an intrauterine device?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small piece of plastic shaped like the letter T that is
placed inside the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy. There are 2 kinds of IUDs:
 The copper IUD (ParaGard) has a small copper wire wrapped around it. This IUD
prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years.
 The hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla) release small amounts of a
hormone called progestin over time. These IUDs prevent pregnancy for up to 3 (Skyla),
4 (Liletta), or 5 (Mirena, Kyleena) years.

How do IUDs work?

IUDs keep sperm from reaching an egg. If sperm can't get to an egg, pregnancy won't
happen. The copper IUD kills sperm that enter the uterus so they can't reach an egg.
The hormonal IUDs make the mucus in your cervix (opening of the uterus) thicker so
that sperm can't reach an egg.

How quickly do IUDs start working?

IUDs start working right away. You will be protected against pregnancy as soon as a
copper IUD is in place. If a hormonal IUD is inserted during the first 7 days of your
period, you will be protected against pregnancy as soon as it is in place. If a hormonal
IUD is inserted more than 7 days after your period starts, you will need to use another
type of birth control, such as condoms, for the first 7 days after the IUD is in place.

What are the benefits of IUDs?

 IUDs work for up to 3 to 10 years. If you decide you want to get pregnant or use
a different birth control method, you can have the IUD removed at any time.
 IUDs are not permanent. Your chance of getting pregnant returns as soon as the
IUD is removed.
 You don't have to think about your birth control or do anything to prevent
pregnancy when you have sex.
 IUDs are easy to use. You just check the IUD strings at your cervix each month
to make sure your IUD is in place.
 IUDs are safe to use while breastfeeding and won't affect your milk supply.
 Hormonal IUDs can help treat heavy bleeding during periods, period cramps, and
endometriosis by making your menstrual flow lighter.
What are the side effects of IUDs?
The most common side effect of IUDs is changes in your normal menstrual period. With
the copper IUD, some women have heavier periods and more cramps with their period.
With the hormonal IUDs, some women have shorter, lighter periods or stop having
periods completely. Hormonal IUDs can also cause bleeding that is irregular and
spotting between your periods. For most women, these bleeding changes only last for a
few months. Some women with hormonal IUDs report headaches, acne, breast pain,
mood changes, and/or depression.

What are the risks of using IUDs?

You may have cramping, bleeding, or spotting after the IUD is inserted and then off and
on for a few months. There is a very small risk of getting an infection in the uterus right
after the IUD is inserted. Very rarely, the IUD can go through the uterus when it is being
placed. If this happens, you may need surgery to remove the IUD. Your chance of
getting an infection or having the IUD go through your uterus is less than 1 in 1000.
Sometimes the uterus will push the IUD out into the vagina. This is why it is important to
check your strings each month to be sure your IUD is still in place. It is very rare to get
pregnant while you have an IUD. If this happens, the IUD will be removed.