Intrauterine devices (referred to as IUDs) are a very effective, reversible form of contraception used by approximately 15% of reproductive-age women who are married or in a relationship worldwide. In addition to contraception, some IUDs can also help women who have heavy menstrual bleeding by lightening their flow. They may also help decrease pain for women who experience painful menstruation.

Deciding whether or not an IUD is a good fit for you is a personal decision. At Diana Health, we want you to have the most up-to-date, evidence-based information so that you can engage in shared decision-making with us, your women’s health providers. Below, you’ll find information to help you understand your IUD options and make an informed decision.

Consider Your Goals

There are many different types of birth control (contraception). Sometimes there are so many choices that it can feel overwhelming. It’s important to consider with your women’s health provider whether you want a type of birth control that prevents pregnancy short-term or for many years.

You should also consider whether you want:

• A form of contraception that you need to remember daily, such as a pill
• A method you need to remember less frequently, such as a weekly patch
• A method that you don’t need to remember for years
• A hormonal or non-hormonal option
• A method with the highest possible efficacy for your individual needs
• A form of contraception that also helps decrease the risk of sexually transmitted infections, such as condoms

It’s important to remember that IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you are having heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding. Hormonal forms of contraception, including pills, patches, vaginal rings, progesterone shots, and some IUDs, can impact menstrual bleeding.

These forms of hormonal birth control can be used even when women are not sexually active or not trying to avoid pregnancy, but want help with symptom management. When considering a type of contraception, some women may appreciate the benefit of a type of contraception that may also help with heavy or abnormal bleeding, such as some types of IUDs.

At Diana Health, we are not here to convince you to choose or not choose an IUD. Our goal is to understand your goals, health history, preferences, and concerns so that we can help you make the decision that is best for you.

Understanding Your IUD Options

What Is an IUD?

IUD stands for intrauterine device. Broken down, this means inside (intra) of the uterus (uterine) device. It is a plastic, T-shaped device that is designed to fit inside the uterus.

Hormonal vs. Non-Hormonal (Copper) IUDs

Although most IUDs look similar, they are not all the same. There are two kinds of IUDs currently available in the U.S.:

Non-hormonal: The Paragard IUD uses copper in order to have its effect on the uterus. No hormones are used with this IUD, and it is effective for up to 12 years.

Hormonal: Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla are examples of hormonal IUDs. These IUDs use progestin, a hormone similar to progesterone that the female body makes, that is released from the IUD in order to have its intended effect. These IUDs are effective for 3–8 years depending on the brand that is used.

How IUDs Work as Contraception

Hormonal IUDs thicken your cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to get inside the uterus. With hormonal IUDs, eggs are also sometimes prevented from being released from the ovaries.

Non-hormonal IUDs, such as a copper IUD, repel sperm with the copper, making it almost impossible for sperm to make it past the IUD.

Since the sperm and egg are prevented from meeting in both instances, pregnancy is prevented.

Like with all birth control, there is a small chance that a pregnancy can still occur. However, IUDs are extremely effective methods of contraception or birth control that last for several years. In fact, they are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. In comparison, ideal male condom use for contraception is about 98% effective; however, typical use is only about 87% effective.

What to Expect With IUD Placement

I’ve Heard That IUD Placement Is Painful. What Can I Expect at Diana Health?

Pain concerns and your experience during your care at Diana Health are something that we take very seriously. We want to talk with you about your comfort and what can be done to decrease any pain before we do the procedure.

Although some discomfort and cramping often happen during placement, we have evidence-based methods you can choose to improve your comfort.

Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” is a colorless, odorless gas that you breathe in while wearing a mask during the procedure. It’s sometimes used at dental offices and in medical settings to help people feel calmer and more relaxed while having a procedure.

It does not put you to sleep, and you are able to remain awake, talk with your Diana Health care clinician, and breathe on your own throughout the procedure. During an IUD placement, nitrous oxide may help you relax and decrease anxiety, making it a more pleasant experience. You may still have some discomfort or cramping, but for many women, it is an option that has improved their comfort during the procedure.

Availability varies by clinic, so talk with your healthcare provider if it is something you’re interested in exploring.

Your Diana Health professional who is doing the procedure can also use numbing medications that can be applied or administered in a variety of ways, such as topically to the cervix (the opening to the uterus) or through an injection, which can assist with comfort, too. Some women benefit from taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen prior to the procedure.

Your Diana Health clinician is a women’s health expert, so you can rest assured that they have expertise with inserting IUDs. They can talk to you throughout the procedure, and if you happen to be experiencing pain, you can ask them to stop.

Remember, you are in control of your body and are able to stop the procedure at any time if you desire to do so.

What Can I Expect After IUD Insertion?

After the IUD insertion, women often have some cramping and light bleeding. For this reason, it’s good to plan on having a relaxing day after your procedure.

If after the procedure you experience any bothersome symptoms, we will ask that you reach back out to us. Most women do very well after the procedure is done.

IUD Removal and When You May Want It Removed

Depending on the type of IUD, it can be left in place for 3–10 years. When you are deciding which type of IUD to have placed, your clinician will let you know how long it will last and when it should be removed.

Although you can have it left in for those number of years, that does not mean that you have to keep it in that long. If you decide that you want to try to get pregnant, you’re having unwanted symptoms associated with the IUD, or you simply decide that you don’t want to have it in any longer, you can get your IUD removed.

IUDs are typically removed through an easy and quick procedure in our office. IUDs are designed so that we can grasp the strings that come out of the cervix. When we pull, the IUD arms go upward and the IUD comes out.

Learn More About IUDs and Your Contraception Options

For more information on IUDs, visit the CDC contraception resource.

If you are considering an IUD for yourself, or simply want to discuss your contraception options, book a virtual visit with a member of the Diana Health Care Team! Once you’ve decided what form of contraception you’d like, we’ll have you come into the office to get started. 

 We’re here to help empower you with the knowledge and resources you need to make the right decision for you.