IUD Birth Control Facts

Updated September 29, 2024

An IUD (Intra Uterine Device) is a tiny device placed into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. It’s a long-lasting reversible contraceptive method and one of the most effective, as it is 99% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy. IUDs have a small piece of flexible plastic shaped like a “T" and are slightly bigger than a quarter. IUDs prevent pregnancy by preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs. Sometimes, it’s called an IUC, which stands for intrauterine contraception.

Two Main Types of IUDs

• Copper IUD: contains copper.
• Hormonal IUD: contains the hormone progestogen (Mirena or Jaydess)

is a hormone-free copper IUD. The copper triggers an immune response to prevent pregnancy and may cause your menstrual bleeding to be heavier, especially at first. Its advantage is that ParaGard lasts longer than hormonal IUDs. It can cause your periods to be heavier, especially at first.

Hormonal IUDs are sold by four manufacturers named Kyleena, Liletta, Mirena, and Skyla. These release small amounts of the hormone progestin, the same hormone used in many birth control pills, into your body. These types of IUDs tend to make your menstrual bleeding lighter and may be a good option if you have heavy bleeding each month.

How Do IUDs Work?

Both copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy by changing the way sperm cells move so they can't get to an egg. If sperm can’t make it to an egg, pregnancy can’t happen. Only a qualified doctor or nurse can accomplish IUD insertion. The process is simple, taking only five to 10 minutes. You can’t feel it and can only tell it is there by checking for the IUD strings.

All IUDs trigger an immune response because the body considers the intrauterine device an invader and defends itself, resulting in inflammation. Uterine inflammation in your uterus creates a toxic environment for sperm, so they can't reach the fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg.

IUDs also prevent sperm from leaving your uterus. Copper IUDs do this by causing the uterine lining to become inflamed. Even if sperm fertilizes an egg, the lining would make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant into the uterine wall and develop.

The hormones in hormonal IUDs release small amounts over time to thicken cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the fallopian types. The hormone progestin also thins the uterus lining and partially suppresses the ability to release an egg.

Hormonal intrauterine devices have differing levels of the hormone progestin along with release rates. Mirena and Liletta release more than Kyleena and Skyla. Discuss with your provider which one will work best for you.

How Long Do IUDs Last?

One of the great things about IUDs is that they range from three to ten years, depending on the one you and your doctor select. But if you decide to get pregnant or you just don’t want it, your medical professional can quickly perform IUD removal. You’re able to get pregnant right after the IUD is removed. Follow your provider's guidance on how long the IUD can remain inside your uterus.

How Soon Will My IUD Start Working?

Paragard starts working immediately. Hormonal IUDs begin to prevent pregnancy depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. If you are on your period during IUD insertion, it will take effect immediately. If you’re not on your period, it may take a week for protection to begin. In. Use a backup birth control method in the interim.

Some people may notice some changes to their period after IUD insertion, while others may not. With a copper IUD, your periods might be longer, heavier, and more painful, especially in the first few months. Hormonal IUDs may produce spotting in the first few months and then light or no periods.

Getting an IUD Insertion

Your provider should ensure you’re a good candidate for an IUD based on your health and lifestyle. You may need to take a pregnancy test or get tested for STDs. Discuss pain management prior to IUD insertion. Your provider may recommend taking a pain reliever before the procedure to ease any pain or discomfort you may experience. Some patients don't experience any pain, while others have a lot. Communicate openly with your doctor to lessen any anxiety you may feel about IUD insertion.

What Happens During IUD Insertion?

The procedure takes 15 minutes or less during an office visit. Inserting an IUD takes fifteen minutes or less. You'll lie on an exam table with your knees bent, legs opened, and supported in stirrups. You may receive a numbing injection near the cervix to lessen any discomfort. Your doctor will use a speculum to widen the vagina. Mild to intense cramping may occur when the IUD is inserted. Your doctor can place an IUD at any time during your menstrual cycle. However, it's more comfortable to have an IUD inserted while you have your period, as this is when your cervix is most open.

After IUD Insertion

Some women don't have any side effects, while others experience mild to intense pelvic pain. Side effects can include the following:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Cramps or backaches
• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting

Use an over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize intense pain.

IUD Risks and Complications

Although complications are rare, they can include the following:

• Expulsion: the IUD can slip out of your uterus, usually during your period with the first few months following insertion.
• Uterine perforation: The uterine wall can be pierced during insertion.
• High-risk pregnancy: Although the chances of becoming pregnant are rare, if you do become pregnant, you have a higher risk of experiencing complications. Make sure you don't use your IUD beyond its expiration date.
• Infection: Bacteria can enter your body during your IUD insertion. Infections usually occur within the first three weeks.

IUD placement slightly raises your risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Signs include:

• Pain during intercourse
• Smelly vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Chills and fever

Contact your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms.

Who Shouldn’t Use an IUD?

Avoid IUD placement if you have one or more of the following characteristics:

• You’re pregnant.
• You have an active sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• You’re at high risk for contracting an STI
• You have cervical cancer or uterine cancer
• You have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• You have a copper allergy

In addition, you should use hormonal IUDs if you have liver disease or breast cancer or if you are at high risk for the latter.

IUD Advantages

In addition to a 99% contraception rate, IUDs provide the following benefits:

• Are a cost-effective contraceptive solution
• No need to locate contraceptives before sex
• Spare you the worry of missing a birth control pill

Some studies suggested that IUDs can reduce the risk of cancer of the cervix, endometriosis, and ovaries, as well as pelvic inflammatory disease.

Learn More About IUDs and Other Birth Control Methods

If you wonder about which birth control methods preventing pregnancy may be best for your health and lifestyle, the professionals at VIVAA will be happy to explain the differences. Contact our Seattle-area medical spa at 425-250-999 or complete our convenient online Request an Appointment form.