What
is an IUD?
The letters "IUD" stand for "intrauterine device." IUDs are small, "T-shaped" contraceptive devices made of flexible plastic. IUDs are inserted by a medical provider into the uterus.
There are two IUDs available on the US market, the Mirena
and the ParaGard copper-T. The IUD remains a medically safe method
for many women and is the reversible contraceptive method used by
the most women across the globe.
How
does it work to prevent pregnancy?
IUDs work by preventing an egg from being fertilized, although scientists
are not exactly sure how this happens. Theories about this process
include:
It
affects the way the sperm or egg moves
Substances
released by the IUD immobilize sperm
It
moves the egg through the fallopian tube too fast to be fertilized
The copper
in the ParaGard adds to the effectiveness of the IUD in other ways.
It affects the lining of the uterus by not allowing an egg to implant
and it stimulates the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that
affect the hormones needed to support a pregnancy. The ParaGard
can be a long-term method that may be left in for up to 12 years.
The Progestasert
IUD prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestin, which
thickens the cervical mucus. This acts as a barrier to prevent sperm
from entering the uterus. The Progestasert also affects the lining
of the uterus to prevent an egg from being implanted. Because of
the hormonal component of the Progestasert, it must be replaced
yearly.
How
effective is the IUD in preventing pregnancy and STIs?
The IUD is one of the most effective methods of contraception available.
The rate of pregnancy for women using the ParaGard is 0.8% and for
women using the Progestasert the rate is 2%. However, IUDs do not
offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Who
should not use an IUD?
The IUD is not recommended in the following
circumstances:
Active
pelvic infection or a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Multiple
sexual partners
Cervicitis
(inflamed or infected cervix)
Bleeding
disorders
History
of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy developed in fallopian tubes)
Impaired
response to infection (AIDS, diabetes, steroid treatment, etc.)
Severe
cramping with periods
Heavy
menstrual flow
Allergy
to copper
Anemia
History
of a sexually transmitted infection
Previous
pelvic surgery
Where
can I go to get an IUD and how much does it cost? Health Services does not currently
have the IUD available. However, medical providers here are willing
to talk with a woman who is interested in an IUD and can offer referrals.
Links
you can use:
For more information about IUDs you can visit:
Disclaimer: Health Education is part of Health Services at Brown University. Health Education maintains this site as a resource for Brown students. This site is not intended to replace consultation with your medical providers. No site can replace real conversation. Health Education offers no endorsement of and assumes no liability for the currency, accuracy, or availability of the information on the sites we link to or the care provided by the resources listed. Health Services staff are available to treat and give medical advice to Brown University students only. If you are not a Brown student, but are in need of medical assistance please call your own health care provider or in case of an emergency, dial 911. Please contact us if you have comments, questions or suggestions.
