Intrauterine Device (IUD)

 

What is an intrauterine device (IUD)?

The intrauterine device (IUD) is used to prevent pregnancy. It’s a small, plastic, T-shaped device. Your doctor places the IUD in your uterus.

You have a choice between a hormonal IUD and a copper IUD.

The hormonal IUD prevents pregnancy by damaging or killing sperm. It also releases a type of the hormone progestin. Progestin prevents pregnancy in these ways: It thickens the mucus in the cervix. This makes it hard for sperm to travel into the uterus. It also thins the lining of the uterus, which makes it harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. Progestin can sometimes stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation).

There are two hormonal IUDs. One prevents pregnancy for 5 years, and the other prevents pregnancy for 3 years. Once you have it, you don’t have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy.

The copper IUD is wrapped in copper wire. Copper IUDs prevent pregnancy by making the uterus and fallopian tubes produce a fluid that kills sperm.

The copper IUD prevents pregnancy for 10 years. Once you have it, you don’t have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy.

A string tied to the end of the IUD hangs down through the opening of the uterus (called the cervix) into the vagina. You can check that the IUD is in place by feeling for the string. The IUD usually stays in the uterus until your doctor removes it.

How well does it work?

In the first year of use:

  • When the hormonal IUD is used exactly as directed, fewer than 1 woman out of 100 has an unplanned pregnancy.
  • When the copper IUD is used exactly as directed, fewer than 1 woman out of 100 has an unplanned pregnancy.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any health problems you have or medicines you take. He or she can help you choose the birth control method that is right for you.

What are the advantages of an IUD?

  • An IUD is one of the most effective methods of birth control.
  • It prevents pregnancy for 3 to 10 years, depending on the type. You don’t have to worry about birth control during this time.
  • It’s safe to use while breast-feeding.
  • IUDs don’t contain estrogen. So you can use an IUD if you don’t want to take estrogen or can’t take estrogen because you have certain health problems or concerns.
  • An IUD is convenient. It is always providing birth control. You don’t need to remember to take a pill or get a shot. You don’t have to interrupt sex to protect against pregnancy.
  • A hormonal IUD may reduce heavy bleeding and cramping.

What are the disadvantages of an IUD?

  • An IUD doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as herpes or HIV/AIDS. If you aren’t sure if your sex partner might have an STI, use a condom to protect against disease.
  • A copper IUD may cause periods with more bleeding and cramping.
  • You have to see a doctor to have an IUD inserted and removed.
  • You have to check to see if the string is in place.

It can be a daunting idea to go for an IUD insertion. We recommend taking Advil or Ibuprofen 600 mg about 30 min before the insertion. If you are allergic to Ibuprofen, you can take 2 tablets for regular Acetaminophen (Tylenol) before coming in.How to prepare for an IUD insertion?

  • The insertion should be planned towards the end of your menstrual cycle. Please call the office to schedule insertion when you are on your first day of the period. t
  • Do not plan any extensive physical activity the day of insertion, right after the procedure.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • You may experience some mild cramping and light bleeding (spotting) for 1 or 2 days. Use a hot water bottle or a heating pad set on low on your belly for pain.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve) if needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
  • Check the string of your IUD after every period. To do this, insert a finger into your vagina and feel for the cervix, which is at the top of the vagina and feels harder than the rest of your vagina. You should be able to feel the thin, plastic string coming out of the opening of your cervix. If you cannot feel the string, use another form of birth control and make an appointment with your doctor to have the string checked.
  • If the IUD comes out, save it and call your doctor. Be sure to use another form of birth control while the IUD is out.
  • Use latex condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. An IUD does not protect you from STIs. Having one sex partner (who does not have STIs and does not have sex with anyone else) is a good way to avoid STIs.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You have sudden, severe pain in your belly or pelvis.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have new belly or pelvic pain.
  • You have severe vaginal bleeding. This means that you are soaking through your usual pads or tampons each hour for 2 or more hours.
  • You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
  • You have a fever and pelvic pain or vaginal discharge.
  • You have pelvic pain that is getting worse.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You cannot feel the string, or the IUD comes out.
  • You feel sick to your stomach, or you vomit.
  • You think you may be pregnant