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The Intrauterine Device: Health

IUDs are reversible long-term birth control devices that are placed in the uterus. They can provide contraceptive benefits for up to 10 years. Hormonal IUDs can stay in place for at least 5 years, while copper IUDs can remain effective for up to 10 years. IUDs are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy but do not protect against STIs. Potential risks include cramping during insertion, increased bleeding or cramps, accidental expulsion, and rarely perforation of the uterus.

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Apris Tesryanto Liufeto
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153 views2 pages

The Intrauterine Device: Health

IUDs are reversible long-term birth control devices that are placed in the uterus. They can provide contraceptive benefits for up to 10 years. Hormonal IUDs can stay in place for at least 5 years, while copper IUDs can remain effective for up to 10 years. IUDs are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy but do not protect against STIs. Potential risks include cramping during insertion, increased bleeding or cramps, accidental expulsion, and rarely perforation of the uterus.

Uploaded by

Apris Tesryanto Liufeto
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Health The Intrauterine Device

Live Well to What is it?


Learn Well
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a birth control
Web: method that is placed into the uterus by a
health.cornell.edu medical clinician. IUDs are typically made of
plastic or metal and have a string attached. Their
Phone (24/7):
presence changes the physical environment
607-255-5155 of the reproductive tract. These changes can
Fax: prevent an egg from being fertilized.
607-255-0269 • IUDs containing very low doses of the
hormone progesterone can stay in place at
Appointments: least five years, depending on the type of
Monday–Saturday IUD you choose.
Check web for hours, • IUDs containing copper can stay in the uterus
services, providers,
for up to 10 years.
and appointment The IUD is an excellent method of birth control
information for some people, but it is not for everyone. For IUDs are reversible and can provide contraceptive
those for whom it is a good choice, the IUD is benefit for up to 10 years.
110 Ho Plaza, both convenient and highly effective.
Ithaca, NY • Spotting between menstrual periods (with
14853-3101 Is an IUD right for you? hormonal IUDs).
• Unnoticed accidental expulsion or partial
Advantages expulsion of the IUD, which may result in
unexpected pregnancy.
Many people choose an IUD because:
• Embedding of the IUD in the uterus, which is
• It is more than 99% effective as a method of rare, but can make removal difficult.
preventing pregnancy. • Potential for persistent pelvic pain. Some IUD
• Sexual intercourse does not need to be users can have prolonged cramping and pain
interrupted to insert a birth control device after the insertion of an IUD.
(e.g., diaphragm) or apply a spermicide or • Potential for perforation of the uterus by the
condom. IUD, with possible damage to other internal
• Once in place, an IUD is effective 5 to 10 years. organs as well. This is rare but can be serious.
There is no need to remember pills, patches, • Potential problems if pregnancy occurs with an
rings, diaphragms, etc. IUD in place.
• The IUD is typically not noticeable during
intercourse. Talk to your health care provider about the risks of
• IUDs containing progesterone decrease using an IUD if you have had any of the following
the amount of bleeding and cramps during problems:
periods. • heavy menstrual bleeding
• IUDs are reversible; fertility is restored once • history of infection in your reproductive organs
the IUD is removed. (ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes)
Disadvantages • pregnancy in a fallopian tube (ectopic
pregnancy)
The IUD does not protect against sexually
transmitted infections (STIs). Additionally— Contraindications
though the risk is small—the following problems If you have one of the following conditions, an
could occur while you are using an IUD. IUD may not be a good method for you:
• Cramping with insertion: IUDs may not be a • cancer in the uterus or cervix
good choice for individuals who have difficulty • unexplained vaginal bleeding
with pelvic exams. • pregnancy
• The non-hormonal IUD can cause increased • pelvic inflammatory disease
menstrual bleeding and cramps, particularly
during the first few cycles after insertion. • allergy to copper or metals
(copper IUD only)

(over)
If you think the IUD is For more information
right for you The medical clinicians and sexual
Make an appointment for an initial health nurses at Cornell Health can
consultation regarding the IUD. If it talk with you about any questions you
is agreed that this is a good match, have about the IUD, other birth control
the sexual health nurse will help you methods, and/or reducing risks of STIs
determine which type of IUD is best for and other infections. You can request an
you, and schedule a time for insertion. appointment via phone (607-255-5155),
It takes about 10–15 minutes to insert online via myCornellHealth, or by visiting
an IUD. You may feel some cramping us during business hours.
when the IUD is being inserted. You On the web
will be instructed on the dosing of pain
medication to control discomfort before • arhp.org/clinical-fact-sheets/
and after insertion. the-facts-about-intrauterine-
contraception
A post-insertion appointment will be • kyleena-us.com
scheduled in four to six weeks. During
• paragard.com
this appointment, the medical clinician
will examine you and follow up on your • simplymirena.com
IUD placement. During the first few • familydoctor.org [search IUD]
months after insertion of an IUD, check
for the string after every menstrual
period and before you have intercourse.
You can do this by putting a finger inside
the vagina and feeling for the string near
the cervix. If you cannot feel the string,
or you feel the hard plastic or metal of
the IUD (not just the string), it may no Image of an IUD
longer be in the correct position. If this
occurs, use a back-up method (such as
condoms) and call for an appointment to
have your IUD checked.
Should you wish to discontinue the use
of your IUD, do not attempt to remove it
yourself. It can be removed by a medical
clinician at any time. It is best to avoid
making a removal appointment near
the time of ovulation due to the risk of
pregnancy. Alternatively, intercourse
should be avoided within five days of
removal to avoid the risk of pregnancy.

Additional considerations
An IUD does not protect against sexually
transmitted infections (STI) including HIV.
Latex barriers (condoms or squares) are
the best way for sexually active people
to protect themselves against STIs.
Condoms, lubricants, and other sexual
health products can be purchased at the
Cornell Health Pharmacy.

health.cornell.edu 10/19

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