An IUD is a small t-shaped object that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Two different types of IUDs are available, and both types are very effective to prevent pregnancy.
How are IUDs inserted?
IUDs are inserted and removed by a health care professional. The procedure is usually done while you are on your period, shortly after having an abortion, or after giving birth. It is inserted through the cervix and placed in the uterus. Two small strings hang down from the IUD into the upper part of the vagina. The strings will be trimmed so that they are just long enough to check that the IUD is in place and so that a health care provider can remove it at a later date.
Intrauterine System (IUD)
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What is it
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How does it work?
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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- A T-shaped device that contains the hormone levonorgestrel that sits inside the uterus.
- The hormone is released slowly over time and acts on the lining of the uterus.
- Can be left in place for 3 to 5 years.
- Requires a prescription and has to be inserted and removed by a physician.
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- Mainly by preventing sperm from fertilizing the egg.
- Thickens the cervical mucus making it difficult for the sperm to get through.
- The lining of the uterus becomes thinner.
- In some women, it stops the ovaries from releasing an egg.
- 99.9% effective.
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- Does not contain estrogen.
- May be used by women over the age of 35 who smoke.
- Does not interfere with sex.
- Less menstrual bleeding and menstrual cramping.
- May decrease endometriosis pain.
- May decrease the risk of precancerous cells developing in the uterus.
- 20-30% of women will stop having periods.
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- Irregular bleeding or spotting (usually improves after 3 months).
- Perforation (a small hole) of the uterus may occur at the time of insertion (rare).
- May fall out in up to 6% of women.
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Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)
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What is it?
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How does it work?
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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- A T-shaped device that contains copper and sits inside the uterus
- Can be left in place for up to 5 years
- Requires a prescription and has to be inserted and removed by a physician
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- The copper wire changes the chemistry in the uterus and destroys sperm
- 99.2-99.4% effective
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- Does not contain hormones
- May be used by women over the age of 35 who smoke
- Does not interfere with sex
- May decrease the risk of endometrial cancer
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- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- May increase bleeding or cramping
- Perforation (a small hole) of the uterus may occur at the time of insertion (rare)
- May fall out in 2-10% of women
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Call your health care provider or clinic if:
- you cannot feel the strings or feel the lower end of the IUD when you do your monthly check,
- you miss a period or think that you may be pregnant,
- you have unusual bleeding, pain or cramping,
- you have vaginal discharge that seems different or has a different odour, or
- you or your partner feel pain during sex.
Remember, an IUD is for the prevention of pregnancy, not sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Always use a condom to reduce your risk.
Adapted from Sexuality and U.
Copyright 2009.
Revised: 2011-06-28
