There are many different types of contraception to choose from. Intrauterine devices, also known IUDS, are a great contraceptive option for women looking for long-lasting birth control. IUDs are a great alternative to other hormonal birth control methods such as birth control pills, since they last for several years and don’t require you to take a daily pill or worry about monthly prescription refills. IUDs are placed by a gynecologist and can even be inserted during your routine pelvic exam.
Once in place, you should not be able to feel your IUD in the uterus. You can continue to use tampons as usual, and your sexual partner should not be able to feel it during sexual intercourse.
Great City Medical offers two types of IUDs: hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs.
We offer two types of hormonal IUDs, including Mirena and Skyla. They are both small, flexible plastic T-shaped systems that get inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. Two thin threads hang down from the plastic T but do not extend outside of the body. The threads can be used to perform a monthly thread check to ensure that the IUD is still properly in place.
Hormonal IUDs such as Mirena and Skyla slowly releasing a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel into your uterus, which causes a thickening of the cervical mucus, reduces sperm mobility and survival, and causes a thinning of the uterine lining. These IUDs do not contain any estrogen hormone. They can be used to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding in women who also want birth control. Other brand name IUDS that release levonorgestrel include Liletta, Skyle and Kyleena.
All types of IUDs protect against pregnancy, but they do not protect against HIV or other STDs. Women should avoid unprotected sex even while on birth control such as an IUD.
Both products can be removed at any time after insertion. If you’d like to become pregnant, most women are able to get pregnant within the first year of the IUD being removed. If you do not wish to become pregnant after having your IUD removed, it is recommended that you use other forms of birth control.
Mirena is the number one prescribed IUD in the U.S. It provides 52 mg of levonorgestrel released slowly over time. It is effective for up to five years. In addition to being an effective birth control option, Mirena is also used to treat heavy menstrual flow and can reduce or stop your menstrual cycle for up to five years.
Skyla is a popular choice and is effective for up to three years. It provides 13.5 mg of levonorgestrel released slowly over time. It may reduce or stop your menstrual cycle, but it is not as effective at this as Mirena due to a lower hormone dosage.
We offer one type of copper IUD, called Paragard, and it is the non-hormonal birth control option.
Paragard has been around for more than 30 years. Once inserted, it provides continuous pregnancy protection for up to 10 years.
Paragard is a soft, flexible plastic T shape that is wrapped in a thin layer of copper and has two thin threads that hang from the bottom but do not extend outside of the body.
You will likely continue to have a monthly menstrual cycle with the copper IUD. At first, your period may become heavier with increased spotting between cycles, but this should decrease over time.
Paragard can be removed at any time after insertion. If you’d like to become pregnant, most women are able to get pregnant within the first year of the IUD being removed. If you do not wish to become pregnant after having your IUD removed, it is recommended that you use other forms of birth control.
Hormonal IUDs such as Mirena, Syla, Liletta, and Kyleena may interact with drugs such as insulin, blood thinners, or steroids. Speak to your health care provider before starting a new birth control regimen.
Many women experience cramping and spotting immediately after IUD insertion, but these side effects should subside quickly.
The IUD device may become attached or go through the uterus. Other side effects might include increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, and temporary increased menstrual bleeding or spotting.
Pregnancy while using an IUD is exceedingly rare but possible. Correct use of an IUD is 99% effective at preventing pregnancies.
Great City Medical in New York City has both hormonal and copper IUDs in stock. Our ob/gyns can insert an IUD as soon as your first visit, provided that it is covered by your insurance. Many insurance plans cover an IUD at little or no cost. IUD insertion can be completed in just a few minutes by your ob/gyn.
68 East 131st Street, Suite 100
New York, NY 10037
Phone: (212) 281-8600
Fax: (212) 281-8601
Copyright © 2020 Great City Medical. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2020 Great City Medical. All Rights Reserved.