After the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, many women are considering getting an IUD. IUDs can be a good choice for women looking for a reliable, low-maintenance form of birth control.
There are two types of IUDs: copper and levonorgestrel (progesterone).
- copper IUDs work by causing a low level of inflammation in the uterus. The inflammation impairs sperm motility and egg implantation
- Levonorgestrel (progesterone) IUDs work by thickening the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from entering the uterine cavity
- There are three brands of levnorgestrel IUDs:
- Mirena of Liletta (the generic brand) – Lasts seven years, has the highest dose of progesterone
- Kyleena – Lasts five years, has less progesterone than Mirena or Liletta
- Skyla – Lasts three years, has the lowest dose of progesterone
- There are three brands of levnorgestrel IUDs:
Are IUDs painful to insert?
Yes, inserting an IUD can be uncomfortable. Most doctors recommend that patients take Ibuprofen and Tylenol before their appointment.
If pain management is a major concern of yours, or if you’ve had a related trauma in the past, there are a few options:
- An injection of numbing medication into the vagina or cervix
- Oral anxiety and/or pain medication may be given with informed consent
If you’re concerned about pain, have an open conversation with your healthcare provider so they can understand how best to help you.
IUD Side Effects
All IUDs can cause cramping and spotting during and after insertion, along with the following rare risks:
- Infection after insertion
- uterine perforation
- The IUD may come out or shift in the wrong place
copper IUDs can cause heavier and more painful periods.
Levonorgestrel IUDs can cause unpredictable bleeding patterns, but the bleeding is usually much lighter. It is rare, but some people also report acne, hair changes, mood swings, bloating and nausea with this IUD.
All IUDs have less than a 1% chance of failure and are quickly reversible.
Removal can be more challenging if the strings of the IUD are lost, but most doctors can still remove them without any problems.
Do IUDs Cause Weight Gain, Infertility, or UTIs?
Large population studies have not shown that IUDs cause weight gain, but everyone reacts differently to hormones. If you think you are gaining weight from an IUD, talk to your doctor about it.
IUDs do not cause infertility and people immediately return to their base fertility once an IUD is removed.
IUDs are not associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Which IUD is best?
copper IUDs are good for someone who still wants to get their period every month. People who have heavier, more painful periods before getting an IUD may want to avoid this type of IUD as it can make their symptoms worse.
Levonorgestrel IUDs are good for those with heavier, more painful periods. They can reduce bleeding and pain, including pain due to endometriosis.
Some people do not have periods with this type of IUD. Rates of amenorrhea (no periods) are higher with Mirena and Liletta.
Levonorgestrel IUDs can reduce your risk of endometrial and possibly ovarian cancer.
If you have been sensitive to hormones in the past, you may want to consider Skyla, the IUD with the lowest dose of progesterone.
Don’t worry if you feel confused. All the pros and cons of each type can be discussed with your doctor.
If you’d like to do some research before making an appointment, consider browsing bedsider.org. The website lists all the birth control types available, allows you to compare them side by side, and answers frequently asked questions about each.
Ready to talk to a doctor about an IUD?
Telephone call 800,922,0000 to schedule an appointment with one of our midwives.