IUD (intrauterine device)

IUD stands for intrauterine device. It’s very small, T-shaped, and is made of either plastic wrapped in copper wire (the brand name is Paraguard Copper T®) or just plastic (the brand name is Mirena®).  Both versions have two small strings 1-2 inches long that hang down from the cervix.

Inserted into the womb by a doctor, the IUD is left in for one to 10 years, depending on the type used, and offers excellent pregnancy protection during that time. IUDs can also be inserted on a very limited basis as emergency contraception, but with more restriction than Plan B.

IUDs stop the sperm and the egg from meeting. The copper in the Paraguard Copper T® basically turns the uterus into an unfriendly environment for sperm. The Mirena® IUD releases the hormone progestin which stops the sperm from getting to an egg.  It may stop a woman’s body from releasing an egg (ovulation).

How to use an IUD

IUDs have to be put in the uterus by a doctor or health care provider.  Before he/she puts it in, the doctor will perform a pelvic exam, STI screening and pregnancy test.  If he/she finds anything unusual or concerning during the exam, it will be treated before putting in the IUD. The Paraguard Copper T® IUD needs to be replaced every 10 years, and the Mirena® IUD every 5 years.

Read about more birth control options:

• Condoms
• The Pill
• The Ring
• The Patch
• The Implant
• Abstinence and other behavioral choices

Effectiveness

IUDs are an extremely effective method of birth control. Of 1,000 women who use a Paraguard Copper T® IUD over the course of a year, six to eight women will become pregnant. Of 1,000 women who use a Mirena® IUD over the course of a year, one woman will become pregnant.

Cost

The Paraguard Copper T® IUD costs between $200 and $300, but the exam, insertion and follow-up visit may add additional costs.  The Paraguard Copper T® needs to be replaced every ten years.

The Mirena® IUD costs about $600, but the exam, insertion and follow-up visit may add additional costs.  The Mirena® needs to be replaced every five years.

If you have health insurance, it may pay for all or part of the cost.  If you don't have health insurance or don't want to use your parents' insurance, family planning clinics may ffer the IUD at lower cost.

Where to get

Women need a prescription to get an IUD and it has to be put in by a doctor or health care professional.

Things to think about

The good thing about IUDs is that once it’s in a woman doesn’t have to worry about taking a pill or changing a patch/ring!  If a woman has a STI or recent infection in her vagina or cervix an IUD may put her at higher risk for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which is an infection of a woman’s reproductive system.

Women may experience side effects, but in most cases, they will go away after a couple months. Paraguard Copper T®: lower abdominal pain, spotting (having bleeding that happens between a woman’s period), and possibly heavier periods. Mirena®: changes to period flow and spotting, lower abdominal pain, acne, headaches, mood changes, and breast tenderness.

Remember, male and female condoms are the only forms of birth control that also offer protection against STIs. Condoms can be used with other forms of birth control to provide that protection.