Definition

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of temporary birth control for women. It is inserted by a healthcare professional.

There are 2 types of IUDs:

• Hormone-releasing—Releases the hormone progestin. The hormonal IUDs are effective for 3 years or 5 years depending on the brand.
• Copper—Releases copper ions. The copper IUD is effective for 12 years.

Intrauterine Device

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Both devices are shaped like a letter “T” with thin strings attached. When the device is removed, most women can become pregnant.

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to prevent pregnancy. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. The hormone-releasing IUD may also have other benefits, such as treating:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Endometrial hyperplasia

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems of both the procedure and of having an IUD, including:

• Cramping
• Abnormal bleeding and increased spotting for a few months
• Irregular or no menstrual period (hormone-releasing IUD)
• Heavier menstrual periods (copper IUD)
• Pain when menstruating
• IUD can slip out of the uterus or vagina
• Infertility
• Pelvic infection
• Uterine perforation with damage to the uterus or other pelvic organs

Even with an IUD inserted, there is a chance that you can still get pregnant. If so, there is a possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. This happens when the fetus develops outside the uterus. Other possibilities include miscarriage, premature labor, or delivery.

An IUD is not for every woman. Certain things would make a woman a poor candidate for IUD insertion, such as:

• Pregnancy
• Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
• Defects of the uterus
• History of ectopic pregnancy
• History of pelvic infection after childbirth or after an abortion in the last 3 months
• History of pelvic inflammatory disease, unless there has been a normal pregnancy since then
• Sexually transmitted disease or other infection in the pelvic area
• Cervical or uterine cancer
• Liver disease or liver cancer (hormone-releasing IUD)
• Breast cancer (hormone-releasing IUD)
• Allergy to copper (copper IUD)
• Wilson’s disease (copper IUD)

Discuss these risks with your doctor before the IUD insertion.

What to Expect

Description of the Procedure

This procedure is usually done in an office or clinic setting with no need for an overnight stay.

You will be positioned on an exam table and your feet will be placed into foot holders. A speculum will be inserted into your vagina to allow access to the cervix. Your cervix and vagina will be cleansed with an antiseptic. Another instrument called a tenaculum will be used to grasp the cervix and keep the uterus in place during the procedure. The doctor will insert a special instrument to measure the depth of your uterus to make sure that it will fit the IUD.

The T-shaped IUD will be folded and inserted into a tube. The tube will be inserted into your uterus through the vagina. The tube will then be pulled back. The IUD will open into its T-shaped position inside your uterus. The tube and tenaculum will then be removed. The IUD's thin strings will hang out of your cervix and into the far back of your vagina. The speculum will then be removed.

Insertion of IUD Into Uterus

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Call Your Doctor

It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

• Notice change in the length of the strings
• Cannot feel the strings with your fingers
• Feel the "T" part of the IUD passing through your cervix
• Think you may be pregnant
• Heavy periods or periods that last longer than usual
• Missed, late, or unusually light period
• You or your partner have or are exposed to a sexually transmitted disease
• Severe cramps, pain, or tenderness in your abdomen
• Pain or bleeding during sex
• Unexplained fever or chills
• Flu-like symptoms, like muscle aches or tiredness
• Unusual discharge from the vagina or sores on your genitals
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Severe headaches
• Rapid heartbeat