Definition

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of temporary birth control for women. It is inserted by a doctor.

There are two types of IUDs:

• Hormone-releasing—Releases the hormone progestin. Can be left in the body for 5 years before it needs to be replaced.
• Copper—Releases copper ions. Can be left inside the body for 10 years.

Both devices are shaped like a letter “T” with a tiny string attached. When the device is removed, most women can become pregnant again.

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to prevent pregnancy. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. The hormone-releasing IUD may also have other benefits, such as treating:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Endometrial hyperplasia

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

• Cramping
• Abnormal bleeding and increased spotting for a few months
• Irregular or no menstrual period (hormone-releasing IUD)
• Heavier menstrual periods (copper IUD)
• Pain when menstruating
• IUD can slip out of the uterus or vagina
• Infertility
• Pelvic infection
• Damage to the uterus or other pelvic organs

Even with an IUD inserted, there is a chance that you can still get pregnant. If so, there is a possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. This happens when the fetus develops outside the uterus. Other possibilities include miscarriage, premature labor, or delivery.

An IUD is not for every woman. Certain things would make a woman a poor candidate for IUD insertion, such as:

• Pregnancy
• Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
• Deformed uterus
• History of ectopic pregnancy
• History of pelvic infection after childbirth or after an abortion in the last three months
• History of pelvic inflammatory disease, unless there has been a normal pregnancy since then
• Sexually transmitted disease or other infection in the pelvic area
• Increased risk of pelvic infections
• Cervical or uterine cancer
• Liver disease or liver cancer (hormone-releasing IUD)
• Breast cancer (hormone-releasing IUD)
• Allergy to copper (copper IUD)
• Wilson’s disease (copper IUD)

Discuss these risks with your doctor before the IUD insertion.

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

• Notice change in the length of the strings
• Cannot feel the strings with your fingers
• Feel the “T” part of the IUD passing through your cervix
• Think you may be pregnant
• Heavy periods or periods that last longer than usual
• Missed, late, or unusually light period
• You or your partner have or are exposed to a sexually transmitted disease
• Severe cramps, pain, or tenderness in your abdomen
• Pain or bleeding during sex
• Unexplained fever or chills
• Flu-like symptoms, like muscle aches or tiredness
• Unusual discharge from the vagina or sores on your genitals
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Severe headaches
• Rapid heartbeat

Planned Parenthood http://www.plannedparenthood.org

Women’s Health Matters http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

Intrauterine device (IUD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated March 17, 2014. Accessed March 18, 2014.

IUD. Planned Parenthood website. Available at:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/iud-4245.htm
Accessed March 18, 2014.

Johnson BA. Insertion and removal of intrauterine devices. Am Fam Physician. 2005;71(1):95-102.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 110: Noncontraceptive uses of hormonal vontraception. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;115(1):206-218. Reaffirmed August 2012.