Learning About Birth Control: Intrauterine Device (IUD)
What is an intrauterine device (IUD)?
The intrauterine device (IUD) is used to prevent pregnancy. It's a small, plastic, T-shaped device. A healthcare provider places the IUD in your uterus. This can also be done right after you have a baby.
You have a choice between a hormonal IUD and a copper IUD.
The hormonal IUD can prevent pregnancy for 5 years.
The copper IUD can prevent pregnancy for 10 years.
Talk to your healthcare provider about how long you can use your IUD. Once you have an IUD, you don't have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy.
A string tied to the end of the IUD hangs down through the opening of the uterus (called the cervix) into the vagina. You can check that the IUD is in place by feeling for the string. The IUD usually stays in the uterus until your healthcare provider removes it.
How well does an IUD for birth control work?
IUDs are more than 99% effective for preventing pregnancy. That means every year, fewer than 1 out of 100 people who use an IUD as directed will have an unplanned pregnancy.
The copper IUD protects you from pregnancy as soon as it’s put in.
If a hormonal IUD is put in on:
- Day 1 to 5 of your period, or if you are inserting a new IUD before the old one expires, it works right away to prevent pregnancy.
- Any other day, use an extra method of birth control (such as condoms) or don't have vaginal sex for 7 days.
What are the advantages of an IUD?
- An IUD is one of the most effective methods of birth control.
- Hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy for 5 years. Copper IUDs prevent pregnancy for 10 years. Talk to your healthcare provider about how long you can use it. You don't have to worry about birth control during this time.
- It's safe to use while breastfeeding.
- IUDs don't contain estrogen. So you can use an IUD if you don't want to take estrogen or can't take estrogen because you have certain health problems or concerns.
- An IUD is convenient. It is always providing birth control. You don't need to remember to take a pill or get a shot. You don't have to interrupt sex to protect against pregnancy.
- A hormonal IUD may reduce heavy bleeding and cramping.
What are the disadvantages of an IUD?
- With a hormonal IUD, there is a chance of side effects, such as headaches, tender breasts, acne, or mood changes. These will likely go away after the first 3 months.
- An IUD doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia or syphilis. A condom can be used to reduce your risk of getting an STI.
- A copper IUD may cause periods with more bleeding and cramping.
- You have to see a healthcare provider to have an IUD inserted and removed.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Adaptation Date: 7/11/2024
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
