Introduction
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a medical device that gets inserted into 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:
Copper IUD. This type of IUD has copper wire wrapped around it. A copper IUD may last up to 10 years.
Hormone IUD. This type of IUD is made of plastic and contains the hormone progestin (synthetic progesterone). A hormone IUD may last 3 to 5 years.
IUDs are inserted through the vagina and placed into the uterus with a minor medical procedure.
How does the IUD work?
Copper in the copper IUD prevents pregnancy by making the uterus and fallopian tubes produce a fluid that kills sperm.
Synthetic progesterone in …show more content…
An IUD can be used when breastfeeding.
IUDs are not associated with weight gain.
Advantages of the copper IUD are that:
It works immediately after insertion.
It does not interfere with your body's natural hormones.
It can be used for 10 years.
Advantages of the hormone IUD are that:
If it is inserted within 7 days of your period starting, it works immediately after insertion. 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 decrease menstrual cramping.
It can be used for 3 or 5 years.
What are the disadvantages of an IUD?
The hormone IUD may cause irregular menstrual bleeding for a period of time after insertion.
The copper IUD can make your menstrual flow heavier and more painful.
You may experience some pain during insertion, and cramping and vaginal bleeding after insertion.
How is the IUD removed?
Is the IUD right for me?
Your health care provider will make sure you are a good candidate for an IUD and will discuss side effects with
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a medical device that gets inserted into 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:
Copper IUD. This type of IUD has copper wire wrapped around it. A copper IUD may last up to 10 years.
Hormone IUD. This type of IUD is made of plastic and contains the hormone progestin (synthetic progesterone). A hormone IUD may last 3 to 5 years.
IUDs are inserted through the vagina and placed into the uterus with a minor medical procedure.
How does the IUD work?
Copper in the copper IUD prevents pregnancy by making the uterus and fallopian tubes produce a fluid that kills sperm.
Synthetic progesterone in …show more content…
An IUD can be used when breastfeeding.
IUDs are not associated with weight gain.
Advantages of the copper IUD are that:
It works immediately after insertion.
It does not interfere with your body's natural hormones.
It can be used for 10 years.
Advantages of the hormone IUD are that:
If it is inserted within 7 days of your period starting, it works immediately after insertion. 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 decrease menstrual cramping.
It can be used for 3 or 5 years.
What are the disadvantages of an IUD?
The hormone IUD may cause irregular menstrual bleeding for a period of time after insertion.
The copper IUD can make your menstrual flow heavier and more painful.
You may experience some pain during insertion, and cramping and vaginal bleeding after insertion.
How is the IUD removed?
Is the IUD right for me?
Your health care provider will make sure you are a good candidate for an IUD and will discuss side effects with