Intrauterine Device

The Intrauterine device (IUD) is small, T-shaped pieces of plastic, which contains copper (brand ParaGard®). Your health care provider puts the IUD in the uterus, also known as the womb, where it can remain for up to 10 years, depending on the type you and your health care provider select.

The IUD is not intended to protect you from sexually transmitted diseases— called STDs for short—which are diseases, infections, or illnesses that can spread from one person to another through sexual contact. Some examples of STDs are chlamydia, herpes, HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

What you need to do:

Be sure to have regular checkups and consult with your provider if you have any unusual symptoms.

Pros:

• This is the longest lasting method (copper IUD lasts up to 10 years).
• You do not have to do anything right before, during, or after sex.
• The ability to get pregnant will return soon after the device is removed.

Cons:

• This method is best for women who have one (faithful) partner.
• The copper IUD may increase cramps and bleeding during monthly periods.

Effectiveness:

This guide give effectiveness percentages for two categories of contraceptive use: typical use, which includes people who may not always use a method exactly how and when they were supposed to use it, and perfect use, which indicates how effective the method would be if it were always used correctly.

• Perfect use: In a group of 100 women using IUDs, maybe 1 woman and probably no one in the group might become pregnant in one year.
• Typical use: In a group of 100 women using IUDs, maybe 1 woman and probably no one in the group might become pregnant in one year.

Available intrauterine devices:

ParaGard^® , also known as the copper-T IUD, is a small soft, flexible plastic and copper device that is shaped like a "T" and about 1-1/2 inches wide, or the size of a quarter. It can be left in place for up to 10 years. It is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy; it prevents an egg from planting itself in the uterine lining. It does not contain any hormones.

To learn more about intrauterine devices, please visit any of these web sites or ask your healthcare provider.

Planned Parenthood 'IUD' Facts

EngenderHealth 'IUD' Info

Emory University School of Medicine 'Levonorgestrel IUD' Info

Emory University School of Medicine 'Copper T IUD' Info

To learn more about ParaGard, please visit the product Web site: http://www.paragard.com

You cannot use any type of IUD if you have recently been diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection that affects the lining of the uterus, the fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries.