Skip to page content

IUD or Pill for Birth Control?

4 mins read

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and birth control pills are two of the most popular birth control methods for women. Both methods are highly effective contraceptives.

 

They work similarly. Birth control products deliver hormones to your body that help prevent pregnancy. By preventing ovulation IUDs cause the uterine lining to thin, and cause the cervical mucus to thicken. These effects help prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg and prevent an egg from implanting in the uterus.
There are several women’s health factors to consider when deciding on which forms of birth control might be right for you. No one option is better than the other. It all depends on your lifestyle and your unique medical situation.

 

It is best to make an appointment to talk to your primary care doctor or gynecologist for medical advice on your reproductive health, but here is some information to help you start thinking about whether an IUD or birth control pills might be the right choice for you.

 

Which is better IUD or birth control pills?

Both the IUD and birth control pills are highly effective birth control options.

 

When taken perfectly at the same time every day, birth control pills are about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, with average or “imperfect” use, birth control pills are closer to 91% effective. Both hormonal and copper IUDs are close to 100% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy.If you are someone who can be responsible to take a pill at the same time every day, birth control pills might work well for you. If you do not want the responsibility or cannot take a pill each day, an IUD might be a better method for you because it can last for years after IUD insertion is performed by a doctor.

 

Both methods can help regulate your menstrual cycle, lighten period flow, reduce painful cramping, and help manage the symptoms of conditions such as endometriosis.

 

Negative side effects are rare, but they are possible. Birth control pills can increase your risk of blood clots. This risk is lower with pills with low doses of estrogen. Birth control pills might not be safe for people with high blood pressure.

 

IUDs do not increase your risk of blood clots or complications from high blood pressure because they do not contain estrogen.
Neither of these contraceptive methods protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), so a secondary barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, should always be used to prevent the spread of disease.

 

Do IUDs have less hormones than the pill?

There are two main types of IUDs: hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs.

 

Copper IUDs do not contain any hormones, and therefore are a non-hormonal method of birth control. The most common copper IUD is called Paragard. Once inserted by an Ob/GYN, copper IUDs can be effective for up to 10–12 years.

 

Hormonal IUDs are a type of hormonal birth control. They are a long-acting form of birth control that slowly releases low levels of the hormone progestin or levonorgestrel. There are several options for hormonal IUDs, including Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, and Liletta. Once inserted by an Ob/GYN, each IUD option lasts for 3–7 years, depending on which one you choose.

 

Combination pills usually contain a combination of low levels of estrogen and progesterone. The minipill only contains progesterone. There are many options for birth control pills. Some pills have higher doses of hormones while others have extremely low levels of hormones. Different levels of hormones will work better for different people and their unique medical situations.

 

The hormones from IUDs are delivered locally to the uterus and cervix, so there may be fewer side effects. The hormones from oral contraceptives are distributed in the bloodstream throughout the body so there is an increased risk of side effects from the hormones.

 

Is the IUD the safest form of birth control?

IUDs are one of the most effective birth control methods for preventing pregnancy. They are almost 100% effective in most cases. One of the reasons that they are so effective is because they are implanted by a doctor and then you are set for several years. No need to remember to take a pill every day!

 

Other forms of birth control, such as the pill, vaginal rings, birth control patches, implants or condoms rely more on perfect use to be effective.

 

So, if you are solely concerned about preventing unwanted pregnancy, IUDs might be considered the most effective birth control option for you. If you are concerned about the potential side effects of starting hormonal birth control, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor. Using a barrier method, such as condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps with spermicide is recommended in the meantime. These methods are not as effective as IUDs or birth control pills at preventing pregnancy, but they are generally effective when used as directed. Barrier methods can prevent unwanted pregnancy without delivering any hormones to the body. They also protect against STDs.

 

Talk to your doctor today

At Great City Medical in NYC, we have a team of Ob/GYNs who are ready to discuss your birth control options and figure out which is best for you. Call us to make an appointment today!

 

what people say about us

Testimonials

Clean 🧽 and fresh clinicPoliteness of each employee toward each other and respectability for patientsShort and brief application for new patient
Maria M.
Maria M.
22:57 27 Mar 24
Always a good service and kind people over there. I have been going to there for over 5 years and I had good service with good doctors. Thank you for all the staff.
Yaneth P.
Yaneth P.
18:52 27 Mar 24
My first time at this location, availability is always open. Staff and doctor were very pleasant and attentive. Sign- in was quick and easy! If your looking for a gynecologist this is your place.
Jennifer P.
Jennifer P.
15:45 27 Mar 24
A very friendly and attentive staff. Everything was practical and quick. Affordable prices. I’ll definitely be back for more procedures!
Marina P.
Marina P.
15:41 27 Mar 24
Fue un excelente servicio ☺️
Carolina M.
Carolina M.
13:27 26 Mar 24
The staff,Nursees and Doctor is of utmost professional quality and care
Charles J J.
Charles J J.
20:33 25 Mar 24
Today was my first visit to the office. All staff were very pleasant and thoughtful. The level of professionalism is top tier. I feel welcomed and secured in the knowledge given by the physicians. Looking forward to making this my forever gyn office. Definitely different from the rest!
JamilaMoneka
JamilaMoneka
20:09 25 Mar 24
DR.GRANA IS THE BEST
A Luis S.
A Luis S.
18:32 25 Mar 24
The Whole staff were friendly and very helpful, I didn’t have an appointment but they saw me the same day! From the Receptionist, nurses and Doctor… Great Job TEAM!
Raul V.
Raul V.
18:12 25 Mar 24
Muy buenos servicios, tanto en el front desk como en el personal médico . Excelente servicio, mucha amabilidad. 😍🥰
Martha F.
Martha F.
22:18 20 Mar 24
Le doy la Gracias a Dios por a verlo encontrado es la mejor Ginecologa que conozco estoy feliz con ella mi doctora favorita Gracias 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Allalive C.
Allalive C.
17:53 14 Mar 24
Great visit with a great Doctor!She makes time to listen to my concerns and goes even further to answer all of my questions.Overall experience was 10 out of 10!!!
latia H.
latia H.
18:32 13 Mar 24
Everything was great, excellent service
Jose Luis Guerrero G.
Jose Luis Guerrero G.
19:46 06 Mar 24
Great place Dr is very informative and the service is superb they don’t have you waiting for hour’s
Beth H.
Beth H.
23:55 04 Mar 24
Great Doctor and staff
Diana G.
Diana G.
23:15 04 Mar 24
U the best
Tukoy G.
Tukoy G.
17:55 28 Feb 24
Pricing reasonable & appointments quick.
Yolande M.
Yolande M.
22:15 26 Feb 24
It’s good all over and everyone is helpful
Ranjana T.
Ranjana T.
20:01 22 Feb 24
Me encantó la amabilidad d todos muy atentos muchas gracias x todo
Francis F.
Francis F.
20:33 21 Feb 24
I have been through a lot and not been able to care for myself for a while. Today I saw my doctor and was able to get the care started that I need. The staff made me feel human and even moved my appointment up to see me sooner. Great City Medical thank you and God bless you all.
Chele From The Block (.
Chele From The Block (.
17:08 21 Feb 24
Excelente
Dennys O.
Dennys O.
22:25 19 Feb 24
Staffs are awesome, friendly, and calm. Thank you so much!!
Ana B.
Ana B.
15:36 19 Feb 24
Excellent service from the beginning to understand all the process, solve questions and doubts. The CRM is excellent, and the medical exams are really efficient. The doctors and their staff are so kind and professional. I had my first visit on Monday, and on Friday, I got all the results. Excellent service, highly recommended.
Juliana R.
Juliana R.
16:22 16 Feb 24
At first it was hard getting through to Great City by phone. I soon discovered the chat. I was verily informed about everything from the costs right down to the procedure, that being examination for immigration purposes. I was kept up to date by Antony all the way up until it was time to pick up my form. The staff were very friendly as well. I should also mention too that the cost was the most inexpensive out of all the places I checked.
Mitsy D.
Mitsy D.
18:30 15 Feb 24
Escelente
Gilberto P.
Gilberto P.
13:34 15 Feb 24
Excellent service it’s a lot better than what it used to be and I am grateful for that.. doctor is wonderful.. and the PCA’s that work there are the best all of the women are caring and patient.. they make you feel welcomed.. Dr Marly Granna is the best .. you don’t meet doctors like her anymore these days 🙇‍♂️🙏
Thomas R.
Thomas R.
17:10 14 Feb 24
Amazing!!
Taqazua P.
Taqazua P.
00:08 13 Feb 24
Me gustó muy atentos
Irairis M.
Irairis M.
20:29 07 Feb 24
Excellent service and nice personal🤗
Elizabeth B.
Elizabeth B.
16:03 07 Feb 24
Very safe space , quick and give you all the answer’s you need
Diamond F.
Diamond F.
16:28 01 Feb 24
Great place, nice people. Good attitude Very helpful
Elvin A
Elvin A
20:36 31 Jan 24
I like this little clinic a lot! Very friendly stuff, Dr. Grana seems to be a very professional. Been going there for almost a year now. Highly recommend!
Yulya Y.
Yulya Y.
19:35 31 Jan 24
Staff was professional, courteous and informed me of anything along the way. I would definitely go back. I also waited 5 min before being seen on a Monday morning.
Sabrosa V.
Sabrosa V.
22:22 29 Jan 24
Great experience each time I go . Professional clean and very respectful office. Staff always pleasant. Doctors very caring.
Juanita R.
Juanita R.
19:30 24 Jan 24
I am so appreciate Dr. Tsyba and the whole team. You are the best 👌
Alla M.
Alla M.
23:05 22 Jan 24
Las atenciones excelentes, desde informacion y registro, tanto como el personal medico, solo deben mejorar el tiempo de espera para ls citas.
Wanda R.
Wanda R.
00:10 17 Jan 24
Excellent Service
Sathyanarayana Rao Mallur Venkata R.
Sathyanarayana Rao Mallur Venkata R.
01:04 11 Jan 24
From the front desk to the medical assistant, to the lab, and down to the doctor and whoever you passed by, it was excellent customer service. It was topnotch. I think the entire staff took extra customer service classes.
ibro D.
ibro D.
12:52 05 Jan 24
Super mega maravilloso las atenciones
Mildred Yajaira E.
Mildred Yajaira E.
17:22 27 Dec 23
Todos muy amable y comprometido por la salud del paciente .ame este grupo
Veronica R.
Veronica R.
17:56 26 Dec 23
They are very nice and friendly. The appointment didn’t take too long. The only thing I didn’t like is that I’m a transgender woman and all the time they used masculine pronouns which makes me feel uncomfortable. They could just try to be neutral or call me by my name instead.
jose
jose
15:53 22 Dec 23
El trato de todo el personal es excelente
Miosotis M.
Miosotis M.
19:53 20 Dec 23
Great service. The intake with the nurse was pleasant and fun. The time with the doctor was very comfortable, she listened very attentivet all my concerns, she was very gentle and professional.They have late afternoon appointments wich is a plus.The final step was the scheduling of the next appointment wich was fast!My mom was right to recommend her and I recommend them as well.
Juana G.
Juana G.
22:31 19 Dec 23
No long wait times staff is professional and pleasant Doctors are amazing and very knowledgeable
Denise C.
Denise C.
14:43 19 Dec 23
Excelente las atenciones y un personal medico de primera
Carlos F.
Carlos F.
18:11 15 Dec 23
Stagg was friendly doctor listen and communicated clearly….overall good experience
Ayasia K.
Ayasia K.
12:56 12 Dec 23
Everyone was very positive and reassuringly guided us through a rather complicated process. A great shoutout to Patricia for going above and beyond to make everything less stressful for us.
Ntani G.
Ntani G.
12:10 12 Dec 23
I went to have a immigration physical exam. Prior to visit, the chat/email service via their website was clear on my existing vaccinations and what paperwork/proof that would be sufficient. The staff was transparent in the cost and what to expect for the actual physical. The visit went smooth and the waiting time was within 10- minutes. Highly recommended
Jacky H.
Jacky H.
01:07 02 Dec 23
Clean facilitie staff are very professional doctors is awesome he explained everything clearly I understood everything he said to me it was a excellent experience I’ll definitely go back there
Kerry L.
Kerry L.
22:42 01 Dec 23
The experience was great Patricia was so nice dealing with me an my sister an so professional
Kwame L.
Kwame L.
19:29 27 Nov 23
Dr. Tsyba is one of the most greatest GYN there is. I couldn’t ask for a better DR.
Gordiva C.
Gordiva C.
22:54 22 Nov 23
Excelente servicio, la atención al cliente y el seguimiento al paciente muy bueno.
Edwin S.
Edwin S.
20:02 13 Nov 23
It’s always a welcoming experience.
Mr.M A
Mr.M A
22:30 09 Nov 23
Súper confortable and the stuff very sweet and professional!!
Elizabeth C.
Elizabeth C.
10:52 08 Nov 23
From the front deck to the Doctor are very easy to talk to, is a great experience visiting them
Azeez O.
Azeez O.
18:46 07 Nov 23
Fast , professional and great experience. I highly recommend this place for anyone who needs to do immigration medical exam . 10/10
adelina T.
adelina T.
23:36 26 Oct 23
J’ai eu une bonne impression a Harlem Gynecologist, l’accueil au top,le personnel au top,rien a dire
diaby H.
diaby H.
18:28 25 Oct 23
My MD is great! Very attentive to my needs. Great listener and good bedside manner.
Rhonda M.
Rhonda M.
18:06 24 Oct 23
I highly recommend Great Medical!they are amazing.
Julio C.
Julio C.
17:48 20 Oct 23
My first time visiting this practice. They were very through, from intake, which was done by a Dr. that I assumed was a nurse because he was so young lol. I wound up seeing Jaime who is a GYN NP, she was awesome. They asked a lot of questions about my history, which I really appreciated. Labs and Sonogram are done on-site. I will be returning.
Shay S.
Shay S.
01:13 20 Oct 23
The ladies are very polite and the doctors are really nice😊
Sheribel C.
Sheribel C.
19:45 12 Oct 23
I’ve been coming here for years and my doctor shows true concern about all my health issues staff here are also great
Trina M.
Trina M.
17:26 12 Oct 23
They e the best and I lov my dr Grana
jorge B.
jorge B.
16:40 09 Oct 23
I have been there about 5 times and I must say , they are very Professional and friendly. From front desk , nurses and doctors.
Wendy W.
Wendy W.
11:05 06 Oct 23
Patty the sono tech and Dr. Yelena Tsyba are excellent care givers. They were kind courteous and answered all my questions
Elisa T.
Elisa T.
20:55 05 Oct 23
Amazing and fast serviceEveryone is so kind and friendlyThank you
Anastasiia T.
Anastasiia T.
17:33 05 Oct 23
I had a great experience at Great City Medical. My appointment was scheduled right away, the staff is very nice and professional, communication was great and prompt. Highly recommend!
Stephany B.
Stephany B.
00:35 27 Sep 23
Great and fast service.. very friendly doctors and assistants..
Mohammed Y.
Mohammed Y.
19:40 26 Sep 23
Great place and Friendly staff .Dr. Tsyba is awesome
Elizabeth M.
Elizabeth M.
16:54 21 Sep 23
js_loader
en_USEnglish