Birth Control: Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD)
the hormone your body makes naturally. The hormonal IUD works mainly by thickening the cervical mucus to keep the sperm from joining with an egg.
Advantages of the Hormonal IUD
- More than 99% effective
- Lasts up to 3 to 8 years depending on the type
- Some types may be used as emergency contraception
- Completely reversible once removed
- Fewer menstrual cramps
- Lighter periods
- Safe with breast/chest feeding
- Can be put in right after giving birth
- Some users stop having periods completely
Possible Side Effects
- Spotting and irregular vaginal bleeding between periods for the first several months after it's put in is common.
- Cramping and some discomfort can occur at the time it is put in.
How It Is Placed
The hormonal IUD is put into your uterus by a doctor or health care provider after a pelvic exam. The IUD is placed through the opening in your cervix into the uterus. You may feel cramping while it is being put in. Speak with your doctor or health care provider about what to do if you have pain.
How It Is Removed
Your IUD may be removed at a simple office visit. Your doctor or health care provider will put a device used for a pelvic exam inside the vagina (speculum). This makes it easier to see the strings of the IUD. Then, they will gently pull the strings to take it out. Having the IUD taken out takes less time and is usually less uncomfortable than having it put in. If the IUD strings can’t be seen or it can’t be removed this way, you may need an extra procedure.Risks
- Perforation: It is rare, but an IUD can be pushed into or through the wall of the uterus while it is being put in. This is called perforation. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the IUD.
- Expulsion: Sometimes the IUD can partly or completely slip out of the uterus. This is called expulsion. You can get pregnant if it happens.
- Pregnancy: The risk of pregnancy with an IUD is very small. If it does happen, there is a higher risk of tubal pregnancy, infection, miscarriage, or early labor and delivery. These problems can be life-threatening. The IUD should be taken out if this happens.
- Infection: It is very rare, but the IUD can be linked to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Most PID happens within 3 weeks of insertion. It is linked to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Who Can't Get Them
The hormonal IUD should not be started in people who:
- Have or think they may have an STI or a pelvic infection.
- Have had a pelvic infection in the last 3 months.
- Have certain abnormalities of the uterus.
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding that has not been discussed with their provider.
Tell your doctor or health care provider if you have any of these risk factors or conditions, or any other medical concerns.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor or health care provider right away if you:
- Think you are pregnant.
- Think you might have an STI.
- Have unusual vaginal discharge.
- Have unexplained fever or chills.
- Have pain or bleeding with sex.
- Have unusual or very heavy bleeding from the vagina.
- Notice any change in the length of the string or can feel part of the IUD.
- Have unusual pelvic pain, cramping, or soreness in your belly (abdomen).
Preventing STIs
The hormonal IUD DOES NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are the best way for sexually active people to reduce the risk of infection. Always use a condom when you have sex. Get yearly health check-ups, including testing for STIs
Helping Hands™ Patient Education Materials
Helping Hands™ are easy-to-read guides about different illnesses, therapies, surgeries, and more. They’re created by the Patient Education team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and are reviewed and approved by clinical staff, like nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and psychologists. Nationwide Children's Hospital is not responsible for misuse of information in patient education materials, including Helping Hands.
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