The intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective, reversible method of contraception.
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• The intrauterine device (IUD) is an excellent contraceptive.
• Women who get one don't have to worry about taking pills, getting shots, or replacing rings and patches all the time.
• Once you're prescribed an IUD, you can set up an insertion procedure.
• Call your insurance and talk to your doctor about the costs.
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a convenient way to prevent pregnancy: The small implant is highly effective, reversible, and low-maintenance. Women who get one don't have to worry about taking pills, getting shots, or replacing rings and patches all the time.
Right now, many women are anxious to start using a reliable, long-lasting form of birth control, especially since many elected officials want to repeal the Affordable Care Act - the law that keeps IUDs and other forms of contraception affordable.
Thinking about getting an IUD soon? Here's what you need to know.
The IUD is safe, long-lasting, effective, and reversible.
IUDs have long suffered from a bad reputation because of the Dalkon Shield, an IUD used back in the 1970s that increased the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease. But today's IUDs are safe and highly recommended by gynecologists. Research shows that women's healthcare providers use IUDs more than any other kind of birth control.
Depending on which brand you choose (see below), the IUD works for three to 10 years.
It's also extremely effective: When it comes to preventing pregnancy, the IUD is on par with female sterilization (or "getting your tubes tied"), according to the CDC. Fewer than 1 in 100 IUD users experience an unintended pregnancy per year. Compare that with the pill: In that same one-year time frame, nine of out every 100 pill takers experiences an unintended pregnancy.
And unlike female sterilization, the IUD is not permanent. It can be removed by a healthcare professional at any time, and then you can get pregnant right away.
There are five different IUDs on the market.
Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Mirena are hormonal IUDs. They release small amounts of the hormone levonorgestrel into your uterus every day. Skyla and Liletta last three years; Kyleena and Mirena last five.
ParaGard is hormone-free. It's made of copper and lasts 10 years.
Both types of IUDs prevent pregnancy by making it harder for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg.
Make an appointment and set up the insertion.
The first step: Make an appointment with your health care provider and ask for an IUD prescription. Don't have a doctor to call? Use this site to find a gynecologist in your area. You can also contact your local Planned Parenthood center for help.
Once you're prescribed an IUD, you can set up an insertion: That's when a health care provider uses a special device to put the IUD into your uterus. It may be painful, but it takes only a few minutes, and you can get it done anytime.
However, some health care providers will schedule your insertion within 7 days of the start of your period. Hormonal IUDs can start preventing pregnancy right away only if they are inserted in this time frame, Planned Parenthood explains. Otherwise, you'll have to wait 7 days after insertion to be protected, according to the CDC. (ParaGard, on the other hand, starts working right away no matter when you get it.)
Consider the costs.
Because of the Affordable Care Act, lots insurance plans fully cover the cost of IUDs, meaning many women get them for $0 out of pocket. If you don't know whether your plan covers IUDs, call the customer service number on the back of your insurance ID card. Mirena, Skyla, and Liletta all provide a list of specific questions to ask the customer service rep when you do make the call. Medicaid can also help cover costs, and Bayer (maker of Skyla and Mirena) has a program that can help certain patients afford their products.
Reuters/Erik de Castro A health provider explains IUD insertion.
If you do have to pay out of pocket, the IUD and insertion can cost up to $1,000, according to Planned Parenthood.
Know the risks.
There some risks to consider with the IUD, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They include pregnancy (no form of contraception is 100% effective), ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and the possibility that the IUD might come out of the uterus.
But remember: The risk of IUD complications is low. There's a reason more and more women are starting to use IUDs: They're safe, they're simple, and they work better than other forms of birth control.
Want to learn more?
Check out Planned Parenthood's super-detailed guide to the IUD or read more at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.