Intrauterine Device (IUD) Information

Intrauterine device is a medical device that is inserted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is a small, T-shaped device that has one or two nylon strings hanging down from it. The strings hang out of the lower part of the uterus (cervix) to allow for future IUD removal. There are two types of IUDs available:

• Hormone IUD. This type of IUD is made of plastic and contains the hormone progestin (synthetic progesterone). A hormone IUD may last 3–5 years.
• Copper IUD. This type of IUD has copper wire wrapped around it. A copper IUD may last up to 10 years.

How is an IUD inserted?

An IUD is inserted through the vagina and placed into the uterus with a minor medical procedure. The exact procedure for IUD insertion may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

How does an IUD work?

Synthetic progesterone in a hormonal IUD prevents pregnancy by:

• Thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
• Thinning the uterine lining to prevent a fertilized egg from being implanted there.

Copper in a copper IUD prevents pregnancy by making the uterus and fallopian tubes produce a fluid that kills sperm.

What are the advantages of an IUD?

Advantages of either type of IUD

• It is highly effective in preventing pregnancy.
• It is reversible. You can become pregnant shortly after the IUD is removed.
• It is low-maintenance and can stay in place for a long time.
• There are no estrogen-related side effects.
• It can be used when breastfeeding.
• It is not associated with weight gain.
• It can be inserted right after childbirth, an abortion, or a miscarriage.

Advantages of a hormone IUD

• If it is inserted within 7 days of your period starting, it works right after it is inserted. If the hormone IUD is inserted at any other time in your cycle, you will need to use a backup method of birth control for 7 days after insertion.
• It can make menstrual periods lighter.
• It can reduce menstrual cramping.
• It can be used for 3–5 years.

Advantages of a copper IUD

• It works right after it is inserted.
• It can be used as a form of emergency birth control if it is inserted within 5 days after having unprotected sex.
• It does not interfere with your body’s natural hormones.
• It can be used for 10 years.

What are the disadvantages of an IUD?

• An IUD may cause irregular menstrual bleeding for a period of time after insertion.
• You may have pain during insertion and have cramping and vaginal bleeding after insertion.
• An IUD may cut the uterus (uterine perforation) when it is inserted. This is rare.
• An IUD may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection in the uterus and fallopian tubes. This is rare, and it usually happens during the first 20 days after the IUD is inserted.
• A copper IUD can make your menstrual flow heavier and more painful.

How is an IUD removed?

• You will lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet in footrests (stirrups).
• A device will be inserted into your vagina to spread apart the vaginal walls (speculum). This will allow your health care provider to see the strings attached to the IUD.
• Your health care provider will use a small instrument (forceps) to grasp the IUD strings and pull firmly until the IUD is removed.

You may have some discomfort when the IUD is removed. Your health care provider may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, before the procedure. You may also have minor spotting for a few days after the procedure.

The exact procedure for IUD removal may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

Is the IUD right for me?

Your health care provider will make sure you are a good candidate for an IUD and will discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and possible side effects with you.

Summary

• An intrauterine device (IUD) is a medical device that is inserted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is a small, T-shaped device that has one or two nylon strings hanging down from it.
• A hormone IUD contains the hormone progestin (synthetic progesterone). A copper IUD has copper wire wrapped around it.
• Synthetic progesterone in a hormone IUD prevents pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the walls of the uterus. Copper in a copper IUD prevents pregnancy by making the uterus and fallopian tubes produce a fluid that kills sperm.
• A hormone IUD can be left in place for 3–5 years. A copper IUD can be left in place for up to 10 years.
• An IUD is inserted and removed by a health care provider. You may feel some pain during insertion and removal. Your health care provider may recommend taking over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen, before an IUD procedure.