When most of us think of contraceptives, we think of the birth control pill, in part because it’s been around for almost 70 years, and also because it’s so popular. But there are other birth control options that are even more effective at preventing pregnancy, have a long track record of safety, and are actually a lot more convenient, including intrauterine devices or IUDs.
Today, there are two types of IUDs — copper and hormonal — and understanding the differences between the two is important for making sure you appreciate all the options you have when it comes to managing your personal health and your future.
At Eve Medical of Miami, our team offers an array of birth control methods to help every woman select the one that best suits her lifestyle, family planning goals, and other factors. In this post, learn more about IUDs and how to decide whether a copper IUD or a hormonal IUD is a better choice for you.
An IUD is a thin, T-shaped device that’s inserted into your uterus through the cervix. Inserting the device takes just a few minutes, and it’s done right in our office.
Once in place, the top of the “T” holds the device in place. A long, flexible, “tail” extends into your vaginal canal, making it easy to ensure your IUD is in place before having sex.
During insertion, it’s common to feel some slight cramping, similar to a mild period, but these sensations go away soon afterward. Once the IUD is in place, you won’t even notice it and neither will your partner, even though it’s providing continual protection against unintended pregnancy.
Speaking of protection, IUDs are more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, making them even more effective than birth control pills. Perhaps best of all, once an IUD is inserted, there’s nothing else you need to do: No need to have prescriptions refilled, no need to remember to take a pill or use a device like a diaphragm or sponge every time you have sex — it’s truly a “set-it-and-forget-it” form of birth control.
IUDs last for years, and when you’re ready to have a new IUD inserted, the procedure is similar to the procedure used for insertion — only in reverse. If you’d like to maintain the same level of pregnancy prevention, we can place a new, replacement IUD during the same visit; we can also remove your IUD anytime you’re ready to start a family.
Both copper and hormonal IUDs are inserted and removed the same way, but the way they work is different.
Copper IUDs are shaped the same as a hormonal IUD, but they also incorporate a tiny copper coil around the tail of the “T.” Just this tiny amount of copper is all it takes to help prevent pregnancy, making copper IUDs a great choice for women who don’t want to use (or can’t use) hormone-based contraceptives.
How does copper prevent pregnancy? By altering sperm. Copper affects the way sperm move, making it harder for them to reach (and fertilize) an egg. It also serves as an effective sperm repellant and spermicide, creating an environment that’s hostile to sperm cells.
Currently, ParaGard® is the only brand of copper IUD available in the United States. Once in place, ParaGard works to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years before it needs to be replaced, making it a truly long-term option for women who don’t want to become pregnant.
There’s one more benefit of copper IUDs: It can be used as emergency contraception, helping prevent pregnancy after you’ve had unprotected sex or experienced condom breakage. In fact, copper IUDs are the most effective type of emergency contraception, as long as the IUD is inserted within five days of unprotected sex.
Hormonal IUDs use a hormone called progestin. This hormone works by thickening the mucus in the cervix so it’s harder for sperm to enter. Plus, it thins the uterine lining, preventing an egg from being implanted. It also inhibits ovulation so eggs aren’t released — and can’t be fertilized.
Hormonal IUDs need to be replaced a little more often than copper IUDs — every three to eight years, depending on the brand you choose. Once in place, the IUD provides a steady release of progestin.
Hormonal IUDs have other benefits, too: Many women find hormonal IUDs relieve menstrual symptoms like painful period cramps. Hormonal IUDs can also help manage heavy period flow, too.
Both hormonal and copper IUDs offer long-term, reliable protection against unplanned pregnancy, giving you peace of mind and control over your future. To learn more about IUDs and the other forms of birth control we offer, request an appointment with the team at Eve Medical of Miami in Miami, Florida, today.
