IUD

If you’re searching for a low-effort and reliable method of birth control, an intrauterine device (IUD) is a great fit. One of many contraception options available from the team of women’s health specialists at NY Midtown OB/GYN in midtown Manhattan in New York City and the town of Mamaroneck in Westchester County, New York, IUDs are popular among women of all ages. Call or click today to learn more.  

What is an intrauterine device (IUD)?

An intrauterine device is a method of birth control that relies on a small device inserted into your uterus. The most common type of IUD prevents pregnancy by releasing a small, steady volume of progestin, a synthetic version of the progesterone your body naturally creates.

This alters your hormonal balance to thicken your cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach your eggs. Progestin also partially suppresses your ovaries from releasing eggs during each menstrual cycle and thins your uterine lining. Combined, all of these changes make it very challenging for fertilization to take place. 

There is also another type of intrauterine device that does not incorporate hormones. These IUDs are made of copper and prompt your body’s natural inflammatory response. As a result, your uterine lining becomes inflamed, reducing the chances that a fertilized egg could successfully implant within the lining and develop. 

What are some of the benefits of an IUD?

One of the reasons why IUDs are such a popular birth control option is the fact that they reliably prevent pregnancy. Numerous studies show that women who use an IUD have less than a 1% chance of an unwanted pregnancy. 

IUDs also require very little in the way of maintenance. You’ll have to come in to see your gynecologist to have the device placed, but after that visit, you can expect to enjoy 5-10 years of protection, depending on the type of IUD chosen. 

If you decide you want to become pregnant while using an IUD, simply schedule an office visit for removal. Removing the device is a simple process and your fertility returns within a very short period of time. 

What happens during IUD insertion visits?

You begin by reclining on the treatment table with your feet in stirrups, similar to the position used during pelvic exams. You might receive an injection of numbing medication to keep you comfortable. 

Your practitioner checks the size and position of your uterus before guiding the IUD through your cervix and into your uterus. Some women report no sensations at all during the procedure, while others find it briefly uncomfortable. The entire process takes less than five minutes.  

If you’d like more information about IUDs or any other form of birth control, call the office to schedule a visit. Online booking allows you to schedule your visit at any time of day.