Overview

The intrauterine device (IUD) is used to prevent pregnancy. It's a small, plastic, T-shaped device. Your doctor places the IUD in your uterus.

There are two types of IUDs. Hormonal IUDs release a type of progestin to prevent pregnancy for 5 years. Copper IUDs do not use hormones and prevent pregnancy for 10 years. In some cases an IUD can be used longer. Talk to your doctor about how long you can use your IUD. Once you have an IUD, you don't have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy.

The IUD usually stays in the uterus until your doctor removes it.

How can you care for yourself at home?

How do you use the IUD?

• Your doctor inserts the IUD. This takes only a few minutes and can be done at your doctor's office. You can have an IUD inserted at any time, as long as you aren't pregnant and you don't have a pelvic infection. An IUD can also be inserted right after you have your baby.
• Your doctor may have you feel for the IUD string right after insertion, to be sure you know what it feels like.
• If you want to check for the string on your own:
  • Insert a finger into your vagina and feel for the cervix, which is at the top of the vagina and feels harder than the rest of your vagina.
  • You should be able to feel the thin, plastic string coming out of the opening of your cervix. If you cannot feel the string, it doesn't always mean that the IUD is out of place. Sometimes the string is just difficult to feel or has been pulled up into the cervical canal (which will not harm you).
• Your doctor may want to see you a few weeks after the IUD insertion to make sure it is in place.

What if you think the IUD is not in place?

Here are some basic guidelines:

• Call your doctor or nurse advice line and use backup birth control, such as a condom, or don't have vaginal intercourse until you know the IUD is working.
• If you had vaginal intercourse, you can use emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy. The most effective emergency contraception is an IUD. If your IUD is no longer in place, a doctor may be able to insert an IUD as emergency contraception. You can also get emergency contraceptive pills. You can get them with a prescription from your doctor or without a prescription at most drugstores or sexual health clinics.

What about side effects, safe sex, and breastfeeding?

• The IUD can have side effects.
  • The hormonal IUD usually reduces menstrual flow and cramping over time. It can also cause spotting, mood swings, and breast tenderness.
  • The copper IUD can cause longer and heavier periods.
• After an IUD is first put in, you may have some mild cramping and light spotting for 1 to 2 days.
• The IUD doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as herpes and HIV. A condom can be used to reduce your risk of getting an STI.
• It's safe to use while breastfeeding.