IUD stands for intrauterine device. It’s a small device that’s inserted into the uterus by your health care provider for contraception. Many times IUDs are classified as long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).Almost all women are candidates for an IUD, with a few exceptions. It’s a common myth that women who haven’t been pregnant and who are adolescents aren’t candidates. Pregnancy, age and prior vaginal delivery are not required to insert an IUD. An IUD is an excellent option for women who desire a reversible form of birth control, but don’t desire pregnancy at this time. IUDs are 99 percent protective against pregnancy and don’t require daily compliance.
IUD & Implant
IUD and Implant
“For more information, along with more detailed risks and benefits of IUDs, Schedule an appointment with one of our expert physicians. they will review your medical and gynecological history to ensure you’re a candidate for an IUD.”
How do IUDs work?
Currently available IUDs work by preventing sperm from fertilizing ova, although some aspects of the precise mechanism of action are unknown. IUDs are not abortifacients; they don’t interrupt an implanted pregnancy. Pregnancy is prevented by a combination of the ‘foreign body effect’ of the plastic frame and the specific action of the medication (copper or Levonorgestrel) that’s released, which impairs sperm function and implantation, and prevents fertilization.
What types of IUDs are available?
- Paragard (Cooper IUD), effective for 10 years, no hormones are released
- Mirena IUD, effective for five years, releases approximately 20 mcg of progestin per day
- Skyla IUD, effective for three years, releases approximately 14 mcg of progestin per day
- Liletta IUD, effective for three years, releases approximately 19 mcg of progestin per day, available as a generic, usually lower cost for those without health insurance coverage
