What is an IUD?
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped birth control device, about the size of a quarter, that is placed inside a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is a reversible contraceptive, meaning it can be removed if pregnancy is desired.
IUDs are one of the most popular contraceptive options for women. They prevent pregnancy by preventing the sperm cells from reaching and fertilizing the woman’s eggs. Modern-day IUDs are one of the safest and most effective birth control methods. You can get an IUD put in any time during your menstrual cycle.
How does an IUD prevent pregnancy?
There are two types of IUDs:
- Copper IUDs
- Hormonal IUDs
They work by either of the following two ways:
- They release a hormone (progesterone) or copper which creates changes in the sticky fluid in the cervix (cervical mucus) as well as changes of the lining of the uterus. These changes kill sperms or make them immobile and make implantation into the uterus less likely if fertilization occurs.
Is it painful to have an IUD put in?
Getting an IUD is generally not excessively painful. Before inserting the IUD, your doctor or nurse will ask you questions about your medical history. This will be followed by an examination of your vagina, cervix and uterus. You may be tested for any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
The entire procedure takes around five minutes. First, a device called a speculum is inserted in the vagina followed by placing the IUD into the uterus with the help of a narrow inserter.
Pain is usually felt when the speculum is inserted and the IUD is being placed inside the uterus. Some women report a sharp cramping pain which lasts no more than a minute or two. The doctor may advise a pain-reducing medicine before or after the procedure to make it comfortable. They may also inject medicines to numb the cervix so that pain is reduced to a minimum.
After the IUD is inserted, there is a small thread-like string extending out from the vagina. It is just one to two inches in length and barely noticeable or felt. It should not be pulled with force to avoid displacing the IUD. The string can be used to remove the IUD later.
QUESTION
Which of the following are methods for contraception? See AnswerWhat can I expect after an IUD insertion procedure?
Although the procedure is quick and done in the doctor’s office, some women might feel lightheaded after the IUD is put in. You may ask someone to accompany you so that you can comfortably get back home after the procedure.
Many people feel perfectly fine after they get an IUD, while others need to take rest for some time. Heating pad and over-the-counter medicines will help with any pain. You may experience occasional cramping and spotting that resolves within three to six months. Your experience may vary depending on the type of IUD inserted.
- Hormonal IUDs make periods lighter and less painful. You may stop getting periods after some time. This is not a permanent occurrence and your periods regularize after the IUD removal.
- Copper IUDs in contrast can make you get heavy and crampy periods.
The discomfort with the IUDs goes away over time. If the IUD is giving you pain, fever, bleeding, discomfort or any other disturbing symptoms, you should consult with your doctor.
When should I get my IUD removed?
You should note the date you received your IUD, as different IUDs are effective for different durations. Some of the common IUDs and the time for which they can be left in your uterus are:
- Paragard IUD: 12 years
- Mirena IUD: Seven years
- Kyleena IUD: Five years
- Liletta IUD: Seven years
- Skyla IUD: Three years
How effective are IUDs?
Intrauterine Devices: IUD
Top How Painful Is Getting an IUD Related Articles
Birth Control Options
Birth control is available in a variety of methods and types. The method of birth control varies from person to person, and their preferences to either become pregnant or not. Examples of barrier methods include barrier methods (sponge, spermicides, condoms), hormonal methods (pill, patch), surgical sterilization (tubal ligation, vasectomy), natural methods, and the morning-after pill. Side effects and risks of each birth control option should be reviewed before using any birth control method.
Choosing Your Birth Control Method
Which birth control option is right for you? Discover birth control methods such as birth control pills, birth control shot, implant, patch and more. Learn about birth control side effects and effectiveness.
Birth Control Pill vs. Depo-Provera Shot
Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and the Depo-Provera shot are two hormonal methods of birth control. Both methods work by changing the hormone levels in your body, which prevents pregnancy, or conception. Differences between "the pill" and "the shot." Birth control pills are available as combination pills, which contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, or mini-pills that only contain progestin. In comparison to the Depo-Provera injection, which prevents pregnancy for three consecutive months. Both methods of birth control are very effective in preventing pregnancy. Both the combination pill (if you take them as directed) and shot are up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. While the mini-pill is only about 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. Both methods cause weight gain, and have other similar side effects like breast pain, soreness or tenderness, headaches, and mood changes. They may lead to decreased interest in sex in some women. There are differences between the other side effects of these methods (depending upon the method) that include breakthrough bleeding or spotting, acne, depression, fatigue, and weakness. Both oral contraceptives and the Depo-Provera shot have health risks associated with them, such as, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and cervical cancer. Birth control pills appear to increase the risk of cervical cancer. Talk with your OB/GYN or other doctor or health care professional about which birth control method is right for you.
Birth Control Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
What is the best form of birth control? Take this quiz to find out about hormonal, surgical, barrier, and natural methods!
Hormonal Methods of Birth Control
There are several different hormonal methods of birth control. The hormones can be estrogen and/or progesterone. The hormones can be taken by mouth, implanted into body tissue, absorbed from a patch on the skin, injected under the skin, or placed in the vagina. Common types of hormonal birth control include: "The Pill" (oral contraceptives), injection (Depo-Provera, Lunelle), the patch (Ortho-Evra), and the vaginal ring (Nuvaring).
How Are Intrauterine Devices Fitted?
Inserting an intrauterine device (IUD) is a simple procedure that takes a few minutes. An IUD is a small, T-shaped device made from plastic or copper that is placed in a woman's womb to prevent pregnancy. The coil is inserted through the cervix
How Long Does a Hysteroscopy Take?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure performed by a gynecologist to inspect inside of the uterine cavity using a thin tube with a light and camera attached to it. Hysteroscopy can take anywhere between 5 to 30 minutes or longer if a surgical procedure is being performed at the same time. Surgical procedures to treat uterine pathologies can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours as well, depending on the procedure.
Is It Painful to Have an IUD Inserted?
Gynecologists insert a T-shaped device into the woman’s uterus (womb). This process is quick and not very painful. However, some pain is inevitable, and pain experience is different for every woman. It is normal to feel some discomfort when the opening of the womb (cervix) is stretched. For most women, this only lasts for a few seconds and may be felt as a sharp pain.
Is It Painful to Remove an IUD?
Removing an IUD when you aren't having complications shouldn’t take very long and shouldn’t be very painful. Most people say that IUD insertion is more painful than its removal.
IUD (Intrauterine Device for Birth Control)
An IUD (intrauterine device) is a birth control method designed for a woman. The IUD is a small "T" made of molded polyethylene plastic coated with barium so that, if need be, it can be seen on X-ray.
There are two types of IUDs 1) Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) including the ParaGard, Copper 7, and Mini-7; and 2) Intrauterine system (IUS) including Progestasert and Mirena.
Side effects of the IUD include spotting, infection, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Risks and complications of the IUD are miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and increased menstrual bleeding.
Natural Birth Control
Natural methods of contraception are considered "natural" because they are non-mechanical and non-hormonal. Fertility awareness methods (FAMs) are based upon knowing when a woman ovulates each month. Natural methods of birth control include: the calendar rhythm, basal body temperature, mucus inspection, symptothermal, use of an ovulation indicator testing kit, withdrawal, lactational infertility, douching and urination, and abstinence.
Birth Control: Surgical Sterilization
Surgical sterilization is considered a permanent method of contraception. In certain cases, sterilization can be reversed, but this is not guaranteed. For this reason, sterilization is meant for men and women who do not intend to have children in the future. Types of surgical sterilization include: vasectomy, tubal ligation, STOP (selective tubal occlusion procedure), and hysterectomy.
What Are the Symptoms of a Moved IUD?
An intrauterine device or IUD is a popular birth control device. Symptoms of a moved IUD include being able to feel the IUD with your fingers or during sex, painful intercourse, abdominal cramping, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and fever.