Contraception and IUD Birth Control Specialist Q&A

There are several types of birth control available on the market, including:

• Birth Control Implant
• IUD
• Birth Control Shot
• Birth Control Vaginal Ring
• Birth Control Patch
• Birth Control Pill
• Condom
• Internal Condom
• Diaphragm
• Birth Control Sponge
• Spermicide & Gel
• Cervical Cap
• Sterilization (Tubal Ligation)
• Vasectomy

IUD stands for Intrauterine Device which is a device that is inserted into the inside of the uterus. It is a small piece of flexible plastic that is shaped like a T once inserted.

IUD offers a low maintenance option for birth control for women who want an option where they do not have to constantly take a pill each day, wear protective gear each time they have sexual intercourse or do other methods.

IUD is 99% effective when inserted properly and not expired. There are different types of IUD brands available and can cost anywhere from $0 to $1,300 depending on which brand you choose and whom you get to insert it. The different brands of IUD’s that are FDA approved include:

• Paragard
• Mirena
• Kyleena
• Liletta
• Skyla

They are divided into 2 types, either copper and hormonal. Mirena IUD can work up to 7 years, Kyleena can work up to 5 years, Liletta can work up to 7 years, and finally, Skyla can work up to 3 years after being inserted.

IUD’s not only offer convenience, but also provide long-term usage as well as being one of the best ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Basically, you can get it, and then forget it, until you need it removed and another inserted after it has run its course.

A few other benefits of the IUD contraceptive include:

• IUDs are effective

With 99% effectiveness

• IUDs allow you to get pregnant after taking it out

IUDs are reversible, if you decide you want to try and get pregnant, you can remove it at any time.

• IUDs can allow your period to be a lot easier to handle

Hormonal IUDs can cut down on cramps and can help to make your period lighter or not have them at all.

• Copper IUD does not have hormones

Many women prefer to have non-hormonal birth control, or they cannot use these methods due to medical problems.

• Copper IUD can be used as emergency contraception

If you get a copper IUD inserted within 120 hours or around 5 days after having unprotected sex, it is still 99% effective against unwanted pregnancy. Copper IUDs can keep preventing unwanted pregnancies for as long as 12 years after insertion.

Ideally, the best candidate for an IUD contraceptive device would be a female who is in a stable, monogamous relationship. A few contraindications to IUD usage are pregnancy, unexplained vaginal bleeding, and a lifestyle choice which may place the women at risk for a sexually transmitted disease(s). However, you can speak to Dr. Prema Kothandaraman and her team of professionals as each individual may be offered a different contraceptive option depending on their health, and what option may suit them best.

Women who deal with anemia, menorrhagia, or dysmenorrhea may benefit from the hormone-releasing IUD contraceptive. During the first three months after insertion, there may be a risk for spotting or irregular bleeding, the risk begins to decrease 12 months after insertion. IUD contraceptives are able to be inserted at any time during the menstrual cycle if the female is not pregnant. Before inserting the IUD, an examination may be completed as well as a sounding of the uterus which is necessary to determine the uterus positioning and the depth of the uterine cavity.

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