Intrauterine Device (IUD)
- What are They?
- How Do They Work?
- How Do I Use Them?
- Effectiveness
- Cost
- You May Want To Use an IUD If…
- You Should Not Use an IUD If…
- Advantages of IUDs
- Disadvantages of IUDs
- Availability of IUDs
What are They?
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are plastic T-shaped objects that are placed in the uterus. IUDs can be used for emergency contraception purposes (Plan B is another means of emergency contraception).
How Do They Work?
IUDs are thought to work by causing a low-grade inflammation of the uterus, and this interferes with the transportation of sperm. The ParaGuard IUD, also called the Copper-T IUD, is used for emergency contraception purposes.
How Do I Use Them?
An IUD must be inserted by a trained healthcare professional. The IUD is passed through the hole in the cervix in an inserter. Once the IUD reaches the uterus, the inserter is removed and the IUD expands into a T-shape. A plastic thread is attached to the bottom of the IUD and trails through the cervix. Women using an IUD as a method of birth control must check that this thread is in place after every period to make sure the IUD has not moved out of place. Like Plan B and other emergency contraception pills, IUDs can be used for emergency contraception five days after the unprotected sex occurred. In some cases, IUDs can be used later, but this is at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
Effectiveness
IUDs are highly effective. Of all reported uses of IUDs as emergency contraception, only 10 failures have ever been reported. IUDs therefore have a 1% failure rate, making them 99% effective.
Cost
IUDs, while more effective than emergency contraception pills, are very costly. Having an IUD inserted can cost anywhere from $200-$600. However, this is a one-time cost and can seem reasonable to someone who wants to use the IUD subsequently as a contraceptive.
You May Want to Use an IUD If:
- You had unprotected sex, the condom broke, or your primary birth control method failed
- Medical reasons make using emergency contraception pills dangerous
- You need emergency contraception and would like lasting contraception protection
You Should Not Use an IUD If:
- You have an STD for it may increase the likelihood of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- You have an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
Advantages of IUDs:
- Highly effective
- Can be used as regular contraception (up to 12 years)
- Convenient and nonintrusive
Disadvantages of IUDs:
- High up-front costs
- Cramping and irregular bleeding may occur
- Menstrual flow may be increased
- No STD protection
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
- Increased risk of PID for women who have an STD
Availability of IUDs
IUDs must be obtained by a trained healthcare professional, whether at a private clinic or family clinic. Family clinics usually have lower costs than private clinics. Talk to your doctor or any healthcare provider to see if an IUD is right for you.
References:
- The Emergency Contraception Website
- LeVay, Simon, Baldwin Janice, and Baldwin John. "Chapter 9: Contraception and Abortion". Discovering Human Sexuality. Sunderland: Sinaur Associates, Inc., 2009.
- Planned Parenthood