The IUD is a low-maintenance and extremely effective birth control option, in a class called Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive aka LARC.
The IUD is a small, T-shaped birth control device that a health care provider inserts into a woman’s uterus. There are two types – one contains hormones, the other does not.
When talking to women who have IUD’s one of the most common statements is always the “get it and forget it” aspect. The second is no longer having to take a pill daily. The IUD is also 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and last for years so if you’re not planning on starting a family anytime soon and don’t want to take a vow of celibacy – this could be the option for you, and you can become pregnant quickly once it’s removed when you’re ready. It is also safe for women who have already had children and a great method for teens. The IUD prevents pregnancy by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg.
Some women do experience spotting in between periods which goes away within the first 3-6 months, if you choose a non-hormonal IUD some women experience heavier periods and some women with the hormonal IUD may stop having periods altogether while using it which is a common side effect and totally safe.
Current IUD Options include Hormonal and Non-Hormonal
Hormonal IUDs release a small amount of progestin hormone and are effective up to 5 years. Brands that are hormonal are Mirena, Skyla, and the newest Liletta.
Non-hormonal IUDs are hormone-free and instead contain copper. Typically they are effective up to ten years and the main brand is ParaGard.
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