The truth about IUDs
IUDs are one of the least common forms of birth control in this country—only 2 percent of American women use them—although their success rate is high. Why? Possibly because there is so much misinformation about them.
Basic Information
An IUD, or intra-uterine device, is an object that is placed inside the uterus by a physician. There are three different kinds of IUDs manufactured in the United States today. One type is hormonal and lasts up to five years; the second type delivers a lower dose of hormones and lasts up to three years; and the third uses copper as a spermicide and lasts up to 10 years.
How they work
Non-hormonal IUDs are made from copper, which acts as a natural spermicide. Hormonal IUDs gradually release small doses of synthetic hormones. Both types thicken your cervical mucus, which creates a hostile environment for embryo implantation and prevents pregnancy.
The two main types of IUDs
The two hormonal IUDs are Mirena and Skyla. Mirena lasts up to five years, while Skyla delivers a lower dose of hormones, is slightly smaller, and lasts up to three years.
The copper-coil IUD, ParaGard, slowly releases copper ions for up to 10 years.
IUDs: Busting the Myths
Myth #1: Getting an IUD will make me infertile.
The truth: No, it won’t!
IUDs got a bad rap in the 1970s due to a product called the Dalkon Shield. This plastic IUD’s was badly designed and led to septic miscarriage and even death for some users. IUDs began to be associated with higher risks of infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Doctors know that today’s IUDs do not affect fertility.
Myth #2: IUDs cause infections like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
The truth: No, they don’t!
Although IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they can’t cause them. This fear came about due to the lack of rigorous STI testing in previous decades. People would get an STI—or have one prior to the IUD’s insertion—then blame the infection on the device. You still cannot get an IUD if you already have an STI. If your STI status is negative, getting an IUD is extremely unlikely to cause any kind of infection.
Myth #3: IUDs are really expensive.
The truth: IUDs are cheaper than pills in the long run—but must be paid for up front.
It’s hard to estimate what your IUD might cost because there are so many factors, the most significant one being insurance coverage. But research has shown that out of five popular contraceptives, IUDs are the cheapest over five years for both insured and uninsured users.
Is an IUD the right method for you?
Birth control is not one size fits all. Your age, health and other factors come into play. If you would like to discuss your options, please call Chouchani, Sayegh and Bagnarello. We always work with our patients to create the most successful course of care!