IUD Birth Control

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a birth control device placed into a woman's uterus by a health care provider. It is usually made of plastic or metal with a string attached. IUDs that contain copper can stay in the uterus for up to 10years. It is very efficient and as an added benefit compared with tubal ligation fertility returns with the removal of the IUD.

Mirena, the IUD that contain the female hormone progesterone can stay in place up to 5 years. It is also successfully used in controlling severe bleeding of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB).

The IUD is inserted during a menstrual period, when the cervix is slightly open and you are least likely to be pregnant. It takes only a few minutes to insert an IUD. You may feel some cramping pain when the IUD is being inserted. You may be given a local anesthetic or pain medicine to help control discomfort during insertion.

During the first few months after insertion of an IUD, check often for the attached string to be sure that the IUD is still in the uterus. You should also check for the string after every menstrual period. You can do this by putting a finger inside the vagina and feeling for the string near the cervix. As long as you can feel the string, the IUD is in position and it is unlikely that you will become pregnant. If you feel the hard plastic of the IUD, it is no longer in the correct place and you will have to see your health care provider to change it.

Women do not have a harder time getting pregnant after removal of an IUD than they do after the use of other forms of birth control.

Contraindications:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding and of unknown cause.
• An infection in any of your ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes
• Pregnancy or history of ectopic pregnancy.
• Cancer in the uterus or cervix.
• Do not use a copper IUD if you are allergic to copper or metals

Call the doctor if you:

• Cannot find the IUD string.
• Have vaginal discharge with a bad odor.
• Have severe, unexpected pain in your lower abdomen, especially if it happens when you have intercourse.
• Have a fever with no apparent cause.
• Think you might be pregnant with the IUD still inside the uterus.
• Want to have the IUD removed.

Call Advanced OB/GYN Care at (860) 409-1933
to schedule an appointment with Dr. Marcovici!