Intrauterine Devices - Sexual Health Peer Resource Center

What is it: An is a small device made of firm but flexible plastic that is fit inside the uterus to provide reversible birth control. A string attached to the hands through the opening of the cervix when the is in place. There are two types of IUDs currently available in the US: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs which release small amounts of progestin. While scientists are not certain as to how the prevents pregnancy, it appears the device affects the way the sperm or egg moves.

Effectiveness (failure rate): 0.8%. Of 1,000 women using the , 8 will become pregnant by the end of the year. This can be made even lower by regularly checking to insure the is in place and using another form of contraception at most fertile times.

Contraindications:

History of pelvic infection, chlamydia, or gonorrhea
Untreated or uncontrolled cervicitis or vaginitis
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Abnormal pap smear
History of ectopic pregnancy
Poor immune response to infection
Allergy to copper
Severe menstrual cramps or bleeding

Possible side effects, risks, and considerations:

Expulsion of can occur; string should be checked regularly to ensure the is properly in place
Spotting between periods is common, increased menstrual flow is also common
Uterine puncture is rare but possible
Increased infections may occur
Provides no protection against STDs

Benefits:

Effective, long-term protection against pregnancy
Immediately effective and immediately reversible
Can be used by women who are breast-feeding
Less expensive than most other forms of birth control

How to get it: A health care practitioner must insert the . An appointment should be made with your practitioner for an initial pelvic exam, followed by the insertion of the device.

Cost: A typical device costs between $200-300.


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	Choosing a Method Non-Methods Barrier Methods Hormonal Methods Chemical Methods Combination Methods Intrauterine Device Natural Family Planning Emergency Contraceptive Pill Fertility Charting Abstinence Sterilization	Intrauterine Devices What is it: An is a small device made of firm but flexible plastic that is fit inside the uterus to provide reversible birth control. A string attached to the hands through the opening of the cervix when the is in place. There are two types of IUDs currently available in the US: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs which release small amounts of progestin. While scientists are not certain as to how the prevents pregnancy, it appears the device affects the way the sperm or egg moves. Effectiveness (failure rate): 0.8%. Of 1,000 women using the , 8 will become pregnant by the end of the year. This can be made even lower by regularly checking to insure the is in place and using another form of contraception at most fertile times. Contraindications: History of pelvic infection, chlamydia, or gonorrhea Untreated or uncontrolled cervicitis or vaginitis Abnormal vaginal bleeding Abnormal pap smear History of ectopic pregnancy Poor immune response to infection Allergy to copper Severe menstrual cramps or bleeding Possible side effects, risks, and considerations: Expulsion of can occur; string should be checked regularly to ensure the is properly in place Spotting between periods is common, increased menstrual flow is also common Uterine puncture is rare but possible Increased infections may occur Provides no protection against STDs Benefits: Effective, long-term protection against pregnancy Immediately effective and immediately reversible Can be used by women who are breast-feeding Less expensive than most other forms of birth control How to get it: A health care practitioner must insert the . An appointment should be made with your practitioner for an initial pelvic exam, followed by the insertion of the device. Cost: A typical device costs between $200-300.