IUDs
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) offer highly effective contraception that you don’t have to think about once the device is in place. The team at NA OB/GYN, in New Albany and Holly Springs, Mississippi, offers both hormonal and nonhormonal IUDs for long-lasting, reversible contraception. Call NA OB/GYN or schedule a consultation online today to find out if an IUD is the right choice for you.
IUD Q & A
What is an IUD?
An IUD is a type of long-lasting, reversible contraception that has a very high rate of effectiveness. Your women’s health care provider places the small T-shaped device into your uterus, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 12 years — depending on the type of IUD you choose.
Hormonal IUDs
Hormonal IUDs — including Mirena®, Kyleena®, Liletta®, and Skyla® — prevent pregnancy by slowly releasing progestin.
Progestin is one of the hormones that regulate your reproductive cycle. Hormonal IUDs thicken your cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from reaching your egg. Depending on the brand of hormonal IUD you choose, the hormone can also prevent ovulation.
Also, depending on the brand of hormonal IUD you select, your device can stay in place for between three and seven years.
Nonhormonal IUDs
Paragard® is the only brand of nonhormonal IUD on the market today. Instead of releasing hormones, the Paragard IUD is wrapped in copper, which repels sperm. Nonhormonal IUDs are effective for up to 12 years.
What are the benefits of an IUD?
IUDs offer a variety of benefits that make them an excellent birth control option for many women.
Effective
An IUD is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It won’t slip off during sex like a condom, and you can’t forget to use it like the birth control pill or ring.
Convenient
After your women’s health provider places your IUD, you don’t have to think about it until you’re ready to take it out or you need to replace it.
You don’t have to remember to take a pill every day, you don’t have to make regular trips to the pharmacy, and you don’t need to interrupt your sexual activity to insert a ring or other type of contraception.
Reversible
IUDs have no long-term effects on your fertility. In fact, as soon as your doctor removes your IUD, you can get pregnant.
Improve Periods
Some women find that a hormonal IUD makes their periods lighter and in some cases disappear. They may also reduce your menstrual cramping and help if you have anemia.
Other benefits
Additionally, copper IUDs can be used as emergency contraception when they’re inserted within 120 hours of having unprotected sex. If you don’t want to use hormonal birth control or have had unpleasant experiences with hormonal contraception in the past, Paragard offers an effective hormone-free option.
How do I know if an IUD is right for me?
IUDs are suitable for almost everyone. If you’re interested in learning more about IUDs, talk to the women’s health experts at NA OB/GYN about your birth control needs and health. They can answer your questions and let you know if an IUD is right for you.
Call NA OB/GYN or schedule an appointment online today.