Birth Control Options for Women - Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Highlights	Injected Contraceptives	Emergency Contraception
Introduction	Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)	Female Sterilization
Oral Contraceptives and Combination Hormonal Methods	Spermicidal and Barrier Contraceptives	Resources
Implant Contraceptives	Fertility Awareness Methods	References

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. An IUD's contraceptive action begins as soon as the device is placed in the uterus and stops as soon as it is removed. IUDs have an effectiveness rate of close to 100%. They are also a reversible form of contraception. Once the device is removed, a woman regains her fertility.

The intrauterine device (IUD) shown uses copper as the active contraceptive. Others use progesterone in a plastic device. IUDs are very effective at preventing pregnancy (less than 1% chance per year). IUDs come with increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and perforation of the uterus and do not protect against sexually transmitted disease. IUDs are prescribed and placed by health care providers.

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Intrauterine Device Forms

Two types of intrauterine devices (IUDs) are available in the United States:

Copper-Releasing (ParaGard). This type of IUD can remain in the uterus for up to 10 years. Copper ions released by the IUD are toxic to sperm, thus preventing fertilization.
Progestin-Releasing (Mirena). This type of IUD can remain in the uterus for up to 5 years. Mirena is also known as a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, or LNG-IUS. Levonorgestrel impairs sperm motility and viability, thus preventing fertilization. LNG-IUS is long-acting, safe, very effective in preventing heavy bleeding, and helps reduce cramps. In fact, some doctors describe it as a nearly ideal contraceptive. In addition to being a contraceptive, it is approved as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding.

Inserting an Intrauterine Device

With some exceptions, an intrauterine device (IUD) can be inserted at any time, except during pregnancy or when an infection is present. It may be inserted immediately after a woman gives birth or after elective or spontaneous miscarriage. It is typically inserted in the following manner by a trained health professional:

A plastic tube containing the IUD (the inserter) is slid through the cervical canal into the uterus.
A plunger in the tube pushes the IUD into the uterus.
Attached to the base of the IUD are two thin but strong plastic strings. After the instruments are removed, the health care provider cuts the strings so that about an inch of each dangles outside the cervix within the vagina.