How to Get an IUD

You may be considering using an IUD (intrauterine device) for birth control. It's true that these devices have several advantages over other forms of contraception, but there are potential complications. These steps outline the upside and downside.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Understand how an IUD works. An IUD is a small T-shaped object that is placed into the uterus through vaginal insertion. A string hangs down through the cervical opening into the vagina, similar to a tampon (though an IUD string is much shorter and a tampon stays in the vaginal canal, not the uterus). Checking the string monthly insures that the IUD does not dislodge. IUDs work by changing the composition of the lining of the uterus and cervical mucus so that fertilization does not occur.
2. Know how insertion and removal works. A medical professional must insert an IUD. Generally, Physicians prescribe IUDs for women who have had at least one child vaginally. It is possible to insert an IUD in a woman who has had a Cesarean section, but an additional insertion tool may be used, and the process may be more painful. The IUD is folded before insertion; it assumes its T-shape once in the uterus. Once inserted, an IUD is effective immediately. Removal must also take place at a clinic. The doctor or nurse tugs on the IUD's string to remove it.
3. Differentiate between the two main types of IUDs. The Mirena is a hormonal IUD. It releases progesterone directly into the uterus to prevent pregnancy and reduce menstrual bleeding and cramping. Some women stop getting their periods all together when using Mirena. The Paragard is non-hormonal. It has a thin copper strand wrapped around the base of the IUD. Copper acts as a natural irritant to the lining of the uterus, thus helping to prevent pregnancy.
4. Think about the benefits of an IUD. IUDs are effective for up to five years (Mirena) or 10 years (Paragard). If a woman desires to get pregnant before this time elapses, she can have the IUD immediately removed with no effect on her fertility. IUDs, when covered by insurance, are very inexpensive. A woman must pay her OB/GYN co-pay at the time of insertion and removal. Compared to paying for monthly birth control, this can present significant savings. For women who have a hard time remembering to take a daily pill, the IUD is easy. IUDs have a 99.2 to 99.9% effectiveness rate, which is one of the highest of any form of contraception.
5. Consider the risks of an IUD. Cramping and bleeding may occur during insertion or removal. The IUD may embed in the uterine wall or dislodge all together. If a woman gets a vaginal infection with an IUD, this leads to a higher risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility. Longer, heavier and more painful periods may result. If a woman gets pregnant with an intact IUD, she risks an ectopic pregnancy. Since Mirena is hormonal, it carries some of the side effects that birth control pills do, such as weight gain, headaches, higher blood pressure, acne, decrease in sex drive and ovarian cysts. IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
6. Weigh your health status against using an IUD. You should not get an IUD if you have a pelvic infection, an STD, cancer of the cervix or uterus, unexplained vaginal bleeding, pelvic tuberculosis, an allergy to copper (Paragard), liver disease or breast cancer (Mirena) or are pregnant. Women who have pelvic inflammatory disease, two or more sexually transmitted diseases, impaired fertility, bacterial vaginosis, diabetes, anemia, a tilted uterus, fibroid tumors, HIV/AIDS, blood clot issues or ovarian cancer should think carefully about an IUD, as an IUD can worsen these problems.