Birth Control, Intrauterine Device (IUD)

What’s an IUD?

An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a tiny device that's put into uterus to prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs. It's a small piece of flexible T shaped plastic. Sometimes it’s called an intrauterine contraception (IUC).

Types of IUDs?

There are 2 types of IUDs.

1. Hormonal IUD :  This type of IUDs releases small amounts of the hormone progestin (levonorgestrel) into body. It’s the same hormone used in many birth control pills. These types of IUDs tend to make  period lighter and may be a good option if you have heavy periods. They protects you from pregnancy for up to 7 years. (Differ from brands)


2. Non Hormonal IUD (Copper IUD) : It’s wrapped in a tiny bit of copper, and it protects you from pregnancy for up to 12 years

How do IUDs work?
IUDs prevent pregnancy by changing the way sperm cells move so they can't get to an egg. If sperm can’t make it to an egg, pregnancy can’t happen.

Non Hormonal IUD (Copper IUD) :  Sperm doesn’t like copper, so the Non Hormonal IUD (Copper IUD) makes it almost impossible for sperm to get to that egg.

Hormonal IUD : Hormonal IUD prevent pregnancy in two ways

• They thicken the mucus that lives on the cervix, which blocks and traps the sperm.
• The hormones also sometimes stop eggs from leaving your ovaries (called ovulation), which means there’s no egg for a sperm to fertilize. No egg, no pregnancy.

How effective are IUDs?
If you use an IUD correctly, your chance of getting pregnant is less than 1%.

Benefits of IUDs?

• It last a long time.
• They're mostly hassle-free.
• It’s one cost, upfront.
• They’re safe to use if you're breastfeeding.
• Not permanent. You’re able to get pregnant right after the IUD is removed.