Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) Specialist

1. Why should I consider an IUD over another method of birth control?

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%. 

2. Are there different IUDs to choose from? 

There are hormonal (Liletta, Skyla, Mirena, Kyleena) and non-hormonal (copper-T, ParaGard) IUDs available in the USA. 

https://www.liletta.com

https://www.mirena-us.com

https://www.paragard.com

3. And what are the benefits of each? 

• Highly effective pregnancy prevention 
• Does not require regular adherence from users to maintain high effectiveness.
• Long acting.
• Rapidly reversible.
• Few medical contraindications for most women.
• Few side effects.
• Private and does not interfere with the spontaneity of sex.
• Avoidance of exogenous estrogen (both IUD types) and hormones (copper IUD only)
• Reduced costs with long-term use.
• Reduced risk of cervical and ovarian cancer
• Hormonal IUDs also have noncontraceptive benefits such as reduction in heavy menstrual flow, anemia, painful cycles, endometriosis-related pain, endometrial hyperplasia, pelvic inflammatory disease, and cervical cancer. 

4. Which IUD is best if I want to have a lighter period (or no period at all)? 

Usually for this you would use a hormonal IUD, such as Liletta. Copper IUDs usually lead to heavier and more painful cycles.

5. Is an IUD effective immediately? 

They are usually effective immediately, but we always tell patients to use a back-up (condom) for the first 2 weeks.

6. How long does an IUD last?

Hormonal IUDs last 3-5 years, Copper IUDs last 10 years

7. How does an IUD prevent pregnancy? 

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.

8. Who can get an IUD? Can you get an IUD if you haven’t had children?

Any woman of reproductive age, even if she had no children before.

9. What is IUD insertion like?  

It is done at the office and usually takes a few minutes. 

10. Is it painful to get an IUD inserted? 

Very individual. Some women report more discomfort than others. Most patients do not feel that much discomfort.

11. Do I need to take the day off work to get an IUD inserted so I can rest afterwards? 

No, you can usually return to your daily activities/work right after the IUD insertion.

12. I am nervous about getting an IUD. How can I manage the pain? 

You can take Motrin/Ibuprofen a couple of hours before the procedure. Dr. Kandinov may also use local anesthesia during the IUD insertion.

13. Can an IUD come out or get stuck in my uterus? 

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. 

14. Are IUDs covered by insurance? 

IUDs and IUD insertion are usually fully covered by almost all the insurances.