IUDs provide a very effective, long term (5-10 years) non-surgical birth control. You do not have to remember to take daily medicines, to have surgery, or come back for injections. Efficacy of pregnancy prevention is over 99.2%.
There are hormonal (Liletta, Skyla, Mirena, Kyleena) and non-hormonal (copper-T, ParaGard) IUDs available in the USA.
Usually for this you would use a hormonal IUD, such as Liletta. Copper IUDs usually lead to heavier and more painful cycles.
They are usually effective immediately, but we always tell patients to use a back-up (condom) for the first 2 weeks.
Hormonal IUDs last 3-5 years, Copper IUDs last 10 years
They work by multiple mechanisms, which include the thickening of the cervical mucus, creating an intrauterine environment which prevents fertilization and implantation. They DO NOT cause an abortion.
Any woman of reproductive age, even if she had no children before.
It is done at the office and usually takes a few minutes.
Very individual. Some women report more discomfort than others. Most patients do not feel that much discomfort.
No, you can usually return to your daily activities/work right after the IUD insertion.
You can take Motrin/Ibuprofen a couple of hours before the procedure. Dr. Kandinov may also use local anesthesia during the IUD insertion.
Yes, it is very rare. There is a maximum of 3-5% risk of an IUD coming out in the first few months following the insertion. The risk of getting”stuck” in the uterus exists, but is extremely low and rare.
IUDs and IUD insertion are usually fully covered by almost all the insurances.