How is iud used

Your doctor may want to see you 4 to 6 weeks after the IUD insertion, to make sure it is in place. A string tied to the end of the IUD hangs down through the opening of the uterus called the cervix into the vagina. You can check that the IUD is in place by feeling for the string. The IUD usually stays in the uterus until your doctor removes it. If you cannot feel the string, it doesn't necessarily mean that the IUD has been expelled.

Sometimes the string is just difficult to feel or has been pulled up into the cervical canal which will not harm you. An examination and sometimes an ultrasound will show whether the IUD is still in place. Use another form of birth control until your doctor makes sure that the IUD is still in place.

If you have no problems, check the string after each period and return to your doctor once a year for a checkup. You may be a good candidate for an IUD if you:. The copper IUD is recommended for emergency contraception if you have had unprotected sex in the past 5 days and need to avoid pregnancy and you plan to continue using the IUD for birth control.

As a short-term type of emergency contraception, the copper IUD is more expensive than emergency contraception with hormone pills. The IUD is a highly effective method of birth control. Advantages of IUDs include cost-effectiveness over time, ease of use, lower risk of ectopic pregnancy , and no interruption of foreplay or intercourse.

Risks of using an intrauterine device IUD include:. Disadvantages of IUDs include the high cost of insertion, no protection against STIs, and the need to be removed by a doctor. The hormonal IUD may cause non-cancerous benign growths called ovarian cysts , which usually go away on their own. The hormonal IUD can cause hormonal side effects similar to those caused by oral contraceptives, such as breast tenderness, mood swings, headaches, and acne. This is rare.

When side effects do happen, they usually go away after the first few months. Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:. Instead, if you have a genital infection when an IUD is inserted, the infection can be carried into your uterus and fallopian tubes.

If you are at risk for a sexually transmitted infection STI , your doctor will test you and treat you if necessary, before you get an IUD. Intrauterine devices reduce the risk of all pregnancies, including ectopic tubal pregnancy.

But if a pregnancy does occur while an IUD is in place, it is a little more likely that the pregnancy will be ectopic. Ectopic pregnancies require medicine or surgery to remove the pregnancy. Sometimes the fallopian tube on that side must be removed as well. An IUD can be a safe birth control choice for women who: footnote 7. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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All rights reserved. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. British Columbia Specific Information Birth control can help prevent pregnancy. Top of the page. The hormonal IUD releases levonorgestrel, which is a form of the hormone progestin.

The hormones in this IUD also reduce menstrual bleeding and cramping. Copper IUD. Copper wire is wound around the stem of the T-shaped IUD. The copper IUD is a highly effective form of contraception.

How it works Both types of IUD prevent fertilization or implantation. Hormonal IUD. IUDs are an excellent choice of birth control for many women. Both the copper and hormonal types of IUDs work by making it difficult for sperm to reach your egg. ParaGard causes an inflammation response in the lining of your uterus. This inflammation is toxic to sperm. It also makes your uterus hostile to implantation, if fertilization occurs.

But recent studies have failed to find evidence that fertilization ever occurs. ParaGard works for up to 10 years after insertion. Mirena works to thin the lining of your uterus to prevent the transport of sperm into your fallopian tubes where fertilization must occur. The progestin it releases also thickens your cervical mucus and can prevent ovulation. Mirena can last for up to five years after insertion. Skyla and Liletta are smaller and contain a lower dose of progestin.

They both thin your uterus lining, and can last up to three years. An IUD is inserted by a healthcare professional. Make an appointment with your doctor to determine if the IUD is the best birth control option for you. Your doctor will insert the IUD through your cervix and into your uterus. The procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes. It can be done with or without local anesthesia.

You should do this every month. You should be able to feel the string. If the string feels shorter or longer than normal, there may be a problem. You should not feel the hard end of the IUD against your cervix.

Contraception - intrauterine devices IUD. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What is an IUD? How effective are IUDs? How do I use an IUD? How much does an IUD cost? Are there any side effects from using the copper IUD? Can the IUD cause any serious health problems? When is an IUD not a good option? They last for a long time — Mirena can last for 5 years, and the copper IUD can last for 10 years.

They are safe to use if you are breastfeeding. No medications stop them from working. The combined pill and the vaginal ring contain both oestrogen and progestogen. The device can be taken out at any time by an appropriately trained doctor or nurse. Your chance of getting pregnant will go back to normal as soon as the copper or hormonal IUD has been taken out. Advantages of the hormonal IUD include: Most users have no vaginal bleeding at all, or a light regular period.

Periods may be less painful. Advantages of the copper IUD include: It is a choice for women who do not want to use hormonal contraception.

It is a very effective method of emergency contraception. Are there any side effects from using the hormonal IUD? Possible side effects include: When it is first inserted some users have period-type cramping that usually settles after a few days. Sometimes the IUD can come out. This is more common in the first 3 months of it being inserted. Your period will change.

Spotting or frequent bleeding is common in the first 3 to 6 months. You may experience tender breasts, headaches, skin changes and mood changes. These side effects nearly always settle with time. The hormonal IUD has not been shown to cause weight gain.

Possible side effects when using the copper IUD include: Spotting or frequent bleeding in the first three months. This nearly always settles with time and your regular bleeding pattern will return. Heavier periods. An IUD might not be a good option for you if you have: a uterus that is not the usual shape a current pelvic infection.

The hormonal IUD might not be a good option for you if you have: been treated for breast cancer severe liver disease. The copper IUD might not be a good option for you if you have: heavy periods low iron levels endometriosis.