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An IUD (Intrauterine Device) is a tiny little piece of plastic shaped like a T. It comes in two basic flavors: copper and hormonal. Although the copper type, sold under the brand Paragard, has fallen out of favor because of an ongoing lawsuit, no such issues exist for hormonal IUDs.
They’re cheaper in the long term than oral contraceptives, are more effective than any other form of birth control, and last up to 10 years. They’re 90 times more effective than condoms alone and have a failure rate of just 0.8% compared to 9% for oral contraceptives.
So why don’t more people get them?
It’s likely because of something happened in the 1970s. An early type of IUD called the Dalkon Shield made more than 90,000 users sick and rendered 13,000 unable to have children. 21 died. It was a disaster, not just for the company that made it, but for the very concept of the IUD.
The problem was traced back to the design of the tail string, which could trap bacteria and cause infections. That design is no longer used, and modern IUDs are safe and effective.
Although side effects are rare, they happen. Every body is different, and everyone reacts differently to changes in hormones. This is definitely a talk you’ll want to have with your family doctor or OB/GYN.
Side effects of the hormonal IUD include light or nearly non-existent periods. In fact, 20% of people who use a Mirena IUD have no periods. At all. Um, period. For many people, especially those with heavy or painful periods, this is a feature, not a bug.
IUDs can also cause sexual side effects or discomfort. However, that’s rare. More likely are complications from getting an STI with an IUD. That can result in developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
Sometimes, the IUD can slip from its position. This could be due to a bad job by your doctor, or it could be the whims of your anatomy. If you feel uncomfortable or think the strings are hanging down, make an appointment to get it checked out.
If you decide to have your IUD removed or simply need to replace it once it expires, your doctor will need to do the deed.
The good news is that taking the thing out is less painful than getting it put in. Your doctor will use a special tool to grab the strings of the device and gently pull it out. The “arms” of the T-shaped device fold up to make it easier.
Most people experience light cramps and/or spotting for a few days. All told, it’s a relatively painless process to get an IUD for the vast majority of people. While it’s important to know about potential side effects, including a rare but life-threatening infection, most people who have an IUD appreciate the peace of mind it brings.
