It is a safe and effective birth control method for many people.
A healthcare provider can insert an IUD in an outpatient clinic or office.
Once in place, an IUD can provide effective pregnancy prevention for years.
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Possible IUD side effects include discomfort during insertion and an increased risk of certain health conditions and infections.
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Pros of Getting an IUD
An IUDis an effective and safebirth control method.
Many people opt for IUDs because of the convenience and long-lasting pregnancy prevention.
Long-Lasting
IUDs provide long-lasting contraception without having to take a daily pill.
There is no need to take daily medication or take extra pregnancy-preventing precautions every time you have sex.
One pop in of IUD releases the hormone progestin.
Available for Multiple Ages
IUDs are safe and effective for people of different ages.
They may be helpful for young people who do not plan to become pregnant for years.
A trained healthcare provider can remove your IUD when you are ready.
Your body becomes fertile and able to get pregnant again almost immediately after your IUD removal.
Progestin-releasing IUDs may protect against endometrial cancer.
Both copper and progestin IUDs may protect against cervical cancer.
An IUD causes cell changes in theuterusthat prevent the development and growth of cancer cells.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about your endometrial cancer risk.
Cons of IUDs
An IUD is not right for everyone.
Many people find the insertion process somewhat painful or uncomfortable.
It is possible to feel cramping pain during and after the procedure.
Side Effects During First Few Months
IUDs may cause side effectsduring the first few months after insertion.
Immediately after insertion, you may feel some discomfort and cramping pain.
It is also possible to feel dizzy and light-headed after the procedure.
Some people report cramping pain and backaches in the weeks and months after IUD insertion.
You may also experience heavier periods in the months after receiving a copper IUD.
Small Risk for Ectopic Pregnancy
There is a small risk of ectopic pregnancy with an IUD.
Anectopic pregnancyoccurs when a fertilized egg implants into tissue outside of the uterus.
Your risk of ectopic pregnancy may be higher if you become pregnant while using an IUD.
It is important to note that people who use IUDs have a very low risk of becoming pregnant.
When your provider places your IUD, they leave two small strings extending out of the cervix.
The strings do not protrude from the vagina.
When your IUD is removed, the provider uses the strings to guide the IUD out of the uterus.
Insertion May Not Work for Everyone
IUDs are not the right choice for everyone.
IUDs can slip out of place and fail to prevent pregnancy.
It is rare for an IUD to slip out of place.
When it does, it must be removed by a healthcare provider.
While it is very rare, an IUD can tear (perforate) the uterine wall during insertion.
About 1 in every 1,000 people will experience uterine perforation with an IUD insertion.
When a perforation occurs, the healthcare provider needs to perform surgery to remove the IUD.
A progestin-releasing IUD prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestin.
This hormone prevents the ovaries from releasing a mature egg for fertilization.
A progestin IUD also thins the uterine lining.
This usually results in decreased or stopped menstrual blood flow.
A progestin-releasing IUD may be helpful if you have heavy periods.
IUDs are considered safe and effective for many people.
IUDs are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can last for years.
They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
IUDs are not for everyone.
It is common to experience discomfort during an IUD insertion.
Do not get an IUD if you are pregnant or have cervical or endometrial cancer.
A healthcare provider must insert and remove an IUD.
Talk with your healthcare provider about whether an IUD could be the right fit for you.
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