Home > Health Guides by Topic > Sexuality & Sexual Health > Contraception/Birth Control > Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs)Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs):
A Guide for Teens
What are intra-uterine devices (IUD's)?
An intra-uterine device is a special device that fits inside of the uterus. There is more than one type of IUD. One type called an Intra-Uterine System (IUS) contains the hormone levonorgestrel. The hormone is continuously released into the uterus. Another type of IUD is covered by copper. The copper IUD has copper wire coiled around the stem and arms of the device. Both are about 1¼ inches tall. Each IUD has a string attached to the end, so the woman can check that the IUD is in place and so it is easier for your health care provider to remove it. The IUD is inserted into your uterus through your vagina and protects against pregnancy.
| Out of 100 women using IUDs and IUSs | |
| Typical use: 1 or less women become pregnant |  |
| Perfect use: 1 or less women become pregnant | |
The IUD is a good form of contraception if you are not at risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease and have one partner. Although women who have had children are more likely to choose this method, IUDs can be used by women who have not had children. Ask your health care provider if it is a good method for you.
Where can I get the IUD?
A health care provider inserts the IUD, often at the time of your menstrual period. It costs around $500for the IUD, but you also need to pay for insertion, the exam, and for lab tests. Once the IUD has been inserted, it stays in your uterus and protects against pregnancy until your health care provider removes it.
How does my health care provider insert the IUD?
Insertion of an IUD takes only about 5 to 10 minutes. Your health care provider will first do a pelvic exam to measure the size, shape, and position of your uterus and other reproductive organs. Then antiseptic solution is put onto your cervix. The IUD will be inserted up through the opening of your cervix into your uterususing a special applicator that keeps the IUD flat and closed until it is at the top of your uterus. You may feel cramping, but it usually is not much. Your health care provider will then cut the string at the end of the IUD so that it is short enough where it won't bother you or partner. It will be long enough so you can check to make sure that the IUD is in place.
Do I need to do anything after the IUD has been inserted?
Yes. At the end of each monthly menstrual period and any time you feel strange cramping during your period, you should check for the string inside of your vagina. Do this by inserting a clean finger in your vagina all the way to your cervix. Your health care provider will explain to you how to check for the string and may show you with a mirror what it looks like. The IUD's string feels like a lightweight plastic thread or a fishing line. It should hang about 2 inches down from your cervix into your vagina. If you can't feel the string or if you feel the IUD itself, the IUD is probably not in the right place. If you ever think the IUD is not in the right place, you need to use a backup method if you have sexual intercourse and call your health care provider Schedule a check-up about a month after the IUD has been inserted to make sure the IUD is in the right place. After this exam, you should get regular check-ups every year.
How does an IUD prevent pregnancy?
An IUD prevents pregnancy by acting like a spermicide, stopping or killing sperm, by thickening the mucus in the cervix, and by changing the menstrual cycle.
When does the IUD start protecting against pregnancy?
The IUD starts protecting against pregnancy right after your health care provider inserts it.
How effective is the IUD against pregnancy?
IUDs are more than 99% effective. This means that if 100 women use the copper IUD or the levonorgestrel IUS, less than 1 woman will become pregnant in a year.
Does the IUD protect against sexually transmitted diseases?
The IUD does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. The IUD should only be used by women who are in a steady relationship with one partner and are unlikely to get a sexually transmitted disease. All other women should use another method of birth control that protects against sexually transmitted diseases, such as a condom.
Can I feel the IUD?
No. Neither you nor your partner can feel the IUD. (If you do, call your health care provider, because the IUD is out of place.) But you will be able to feel the string attached to the end of the IUD when you check for it monthly. During sexual intercourse, your partner may feel the string.
Can I do normal activities after the IUD has been inserted?
Yes. After the IUD is in place in your uterus, you can swim, exercise, use tampons, and have sex as soon as you want to.
Are there side effects of the IUD?
There are some side effects of the IUD, but not many. You may have uterine cramps (like menstrual cramps) or low backache when the IUD is inserted, and maybe for a few weeks after insertion. With the levonorgestrel IUS you will likely have much lighter periods or none at all. With the copper IUD, you may have increased menstrual flow and cramps, but this usually lessens after the first few months, as your uterus gets used to the IUD. You can take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, and Nuprin®), or naproxen sodium (Aleve®). Some women have spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods with the IUD.
There is a slightly increased risk of infection, called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) during the first 20 days after the IUD is inserted. After that, the risk for PID is very low. Very rarely, the uterus can be injured when the IUD is inserted.
Can any young woman use the IUD?
The IUD is best for a women who is in a steady relationship with one sexual partner who is also faithful and does not have any sexually transmitted diseases. It is important to continue to use condoms to lessen the risk of getting STDs.
You should not use an IUD if you:
When should I get the IUD removed?
It depends on the kind you have. The newest IUD, the levonorgestrel IUS, can stay in your uterus for up to 5 years. Copper IUDs can stay in your uterus for up to 10 years. You can get the IUD removed by your health care provider at any time. A new IUD can be inserted at the time of the removal. As soon as the IUD is removed, you can get pregnant. So you need to use another form of contraception right away to protect against pregnancy.
What if I have problems with the IUD?
If you have any problems with the IUD, call your health care provider. You definitely need to get in touch with your health care provider if you:
What if I get pregnant when the IUD is inside of me?
Your risk for getting pregnant after the IUD has been inserted is very low. However, there is always a slight chance that you can get pregnant, since the IUD is not 100% effective. If you do get pregnant when the IUD is in place, you need to see your health care provider right away to decide with you if the IUD needs to be removed and to to make sure that your pregnancy is not outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
Updated: 11/10/2009
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