Intrauterine Device (IUD): Fast Facts

Reviewed By:
Joanne Poje Tomasulo, M.D., ACOG

• An IUD is a plastic, T-shaped device that is placed in a woman's uterus to prevent pregnancy.
  
  
• IUDs are considered to be 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy but do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
  
  
• There are two types of IUDs -- copper IUD and hormone-releasing IUD. Both can be implanted by a healthcare professional in a matter of minutes.
  
  
• An IUD is implanted in the uterus and cannot be felt by the woman or the woman's partner during sexual intercourse.
  
  
• An IUD provides immediate birth control protection and can be removed easily if desired or necessary.
  
  
• A copper IUD does not introduce any hormones into a woman's body and it is the longest-lasting form of contraception available today.
  
  
• Benefits of an IUD include a relatively easy insertion procedure, little maintenance of the device and a low risk of side effects.
  
  
• If checked regularly, a copper IUD may remain in a woman's uterus up to 10 years before it needs to be changed.
  
  
• Women who may not be candidates for an IUD include those who have had cancer of the cervix or uterus, a history or risk of ectopic pregnancy or autoimmune diseases, such as HIV.
  
  
• Some of the possible side effects associated with a copper IUD are heavier menstrual periods, abdominal cramps, back pain or mood changes.
  
  
• A woman needs to monitor the placement of her IUD by periodically checking for the presence of the string attached to the device.
  
  
• A hormone-releasing IUD may cause irregular or cessation of a woman's menstrual period as well as mood changes.
  
  
• If an IUD becomes displaced, a woman must use an alternative form of birth control and contact her ObGyn for an examination.
  
  
• The older type of IUD that was associated with pelvic infections and infertility has been removed from the market and these complications rarely occur with the new IUDs.