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Is an IUD Right for Me?
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a popular birth control choice for women who want long-term pregnancy protection. If you’re wondering whether an IUD is a good fit for you, meet with our team at Raveco Medical to learn more.
Our experienced OB/GYNs offer comprehensive birth control counseling to help you explore all of your options for safe and effective birth control.
We also provide guidance if you’re ready to start or expand your family and want to stop using birth control.
How an IUD works to prevent pregnancy
An IUD is a t-shaped device that fits inside your uterus. We offer two types of IUDs at Raveco Medical, including:
Hormonal IUDs
Hormonal IUDs release a steady stream of hormones that prevent ovulation, so you don’t become pregnant. This type of IUD can provide pregnancy protection for up to seven years, depending on the brand you use.
Nonhormonal IUDs
Nonhormonal IUDs don’t contain any hormones. Instead, they’re made with copper material that’s toxic to sperm to prevent egg fertilization. Copper IUDs can protect against pregnancy for 10 years or more before you need a replacement.
Our OB/GYNs insert an IUD during a simple in-office procedure. We can also remove the IUD if you wish to use a different form of birth control or if you want to conceive a pregnancy.
Benefits of an IUD
IUDs are 99% effective at preventing unplanned pregnancies. They also provide the longest lasting pregnancy protection when compared to pills, injections, and other birth control methods.
Other benefits of IUDs include:
Convenience
Unlike birth control pills, patches, and diaphragms, you don’t have to remember to do anything special to prevent pregnancy. Once we insert your IUD, it can remain in place for years. (However, there is a small risk that the IUD can fall out of place and will need to be replaced.)
Family planning flexibility
When you’re ready to become pregnant, we can remove your IUD during a simple procedure. There’s typically no waiting time after removal, so you can start trying to conceive right away.
Versatile solution
Because IUDs are available in hormonal and nonhormonal forms, women who can’t tolerate hormones can still qualify for the device.
Other considerations to make about IUDs
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to birth control, and an IUD might not be the best method for you for a couple of reasons. For instance, if you have a history of frequent pelvic infections, you may need to choose another birth control option.
It’s also important to understand that an IUD won’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Besides abstaining from sexual intercourse, the only way to prevent an infection is by using condoms correctly each time you have sex with a partner whose sexual history you don’t know.
If you’re not sure which birth control method to choose, schedule a birth control counseling appointment with our team. We evaluate your health, personal preferences, lifestyle, and plans for your family to help you choose the most comfortable and effective contraceptive.
Call the Raveco Medical office in Forest Hills or Woodside, New York, today to learn more about the benefits of an IUD, or book a consultation online.
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