Expand Your Contraceptive Options: Consider the IUD

"It's easy to forget a pill every day and it's time-consuming to use something every time you have sex," says Christina, a 36-year-old married mother of 3 children. "I just wish there were more birth control options for women." Like many married women in their 30s and 40s, Christina wonders if there is an easier alternative besides surgery to remove her uterus or a daily pill. One alternative is an intrauterine device, more commonly known as an IUD.

What It Is

The modern IUD is a small T-shaped piece of plastic that is inserted into a woman's uterus by a doctor. It is about as thin as a toothpick and as long as a small paper clip. Two short pieces of specialized thread hang from its end through the cervix so the doctor can easily remove it when it is no longer needed. The IUD prevents pregnancy just as well as birth control pills and is considered very safe.

How It Works

There are 2 types of IUDs available: copper and hormonal. They mainly work by disabling movement of the sperm into the tube so it can't meet with an egg. The hormonal IUD thickens cervical mucus, which also interferes with the sperm's mobility. When a sperm and egg can't meet, pregnancy can't occur.

In some women, a hormonal IUD may prevent an ovary from releasing an egg.

Some IUD Perks

There are IUDs available that contain a small amount of the hormone progesterone. A benefit to this type of IUD is it may help decrease menstrual bleeding and reduce cramping and discomfort in women who have heavy periods.

IUDs are a good option for women who are being treated for cancer, because they are effective and reversible.

Also, because the IUD lasts 5-10 years, it is also very cost-effective. The greatest cost is having it put in initially, but after that there are no other expenses.

Another benefit is that, unlike the pill, you do not need to remember to take something every day.

IUD Side Effects

There may be some mild cramping at the time of insertion. After the insertion, all a woman has to do is check that she can feel the threads at the end of the cervix once a month after each menstrual cycle. Rarely, the IUD might come out with menstrual blood or float higher into the uterus, so checking the strings makes sure it is still in the right place. Side effects with the copper IUD can include increased cramping and bleeding but the new progesterone-releasing IUD usually eliminates that side effect.

Remember that using an IUD doesn't protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases. To do that you need to use a male latex condom every time you have oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse.

If you are thinking about contraception, talk to your doctor about all of your options.

Revision Information

• Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
• Review Date: 08/2017
• Update Date: 08/31/2015