IUD Birth Control – How It Works
IUD birth control is one of the most effective, low-maintenance forms of contraception. The devices themselves are small T-shapes that are inserted into the uterus by a health care professional and can remain in place for many years. If pregnancy is desired while on an IUD, the device can easily be removed to try to get pregnant right away.
To find out if an IUD may be the right birth control choice for you, please call us or contact us below to talk to a certified gynecologist and decide if it is the right contraceptive option for you.
To find out if an IUD may be the right birth control choice for you, click the button below. You will be able to enter your phone number and select from receiving a call or text.
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IUD Options
There are two different types of IUD birth control , hormonal and non-hormonal (or copper), that are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Each type of IUD offers its own advantages, but both options need to be checked monthly as well as annually by your health care provider in order to ensure proper placement and functionality.
Hormonal IUDs
Eastside Gynecology offers Mirena, which slowly releases levonorgestrel, a progestin hormone found in many birth control pills. Levonorgestrel reduces the monthly thickening of the uterine lining, thickens cervical mucus and inhibits sperm movement to prevent pregnancy. In addition to being used for contraception, Mirena is also used to treat heavy periods and decrease the severity of bleeding, cramps, and PMS symptoms. Mirena provides continuous birth control for up to five years.
Non-hormonal IUD Birth Control
The non-hormonal IUD offered at Eastside Gynecology is called ParaGard, a copper IUD. The copper is wrapped around the plastic device and prevents fertilization of the egg by damaging or killing sperm, as copper is toxic to sperm. With annual checkups ParaGard can be effective in continuously preventing pregnancy for up to 10 to 12 years. If you decide to reverse the procedure, fertility is re-gained immediately after the non-hormonal IUD is removed.
