Today’s intrauterine device (IUD) offers long-term birth control that you can count on to do its job, and pretty much ignore it once it’s placed. The physicians at Comprehensive Women’s OB/GYN are board-certified specialists who often promote the benefits of IUDs for birth control. If you’re looking for a safe, effective, and hassle-free method of preventing pregnancy, schedule a visit today. Call the office nearest you, or schedule an appointment online.
Mirena®, Kyleena®, and Liletta® are brand names for hormone-releasing IUDs that prevent pregnancy by:
Each of these IUDs is designed to last for five years to eight years, then it must be removed and another inserted.
ParaGard® is a brand of IUD that’s wrapped in copper, which prevents pregnancy by irritating the uterus and creating a hostile environment for sperm. This prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg and prevents an egg from implanting in the uterus. The ParaGard IUD requires replacing after 10 years.
IUDs are considered safe and effective overall. Each of the brands mentioned (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and ParaGard) are FDA-approved, provided they’re inserted and monitored by a qualified physician or nurse practitioner.
Like many other forms of birth control, however, IUDs do have potential side effects. Hormone-coated IUDs, for instance, can cause:
Birth control pills often have the same possible side effects as hormone-coated IUDs, and most women have no problem using an IUD.
The copper-wrapped ParaGard can cause:
If you’re one of the few who develop significant side effects from an IUD, your doctor can easily remove the device and switch you to another method of birth control.
Schedule a visit at Comprehensive Women’s OB/GYN today to discuss IUDs and other birth control options. Call the office or use the online scheduling tool to book your appointment.
