Do the Benefits of an IUD Outweigh the Potential Side Effects?
Medically reviewed by Renita White, MDMedically reviewed by Renita White, MDAn intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, plastic, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is a safe and effective birth control method for many people. A healthcare provider can insert an IUD in an outpatient clinic or office. Once in place, an IUD can provide effective pregnancy prevention for years. Possible IUD side effects include discomfort during insertion and an increased risk of certain health conditions and infections.
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Pros of Getting an IUDAn IUD is an effective and safe birth control method. Many people opt for IUDs because of the convenience and long-lasting pregnancy prevention. Long-LastingIUDs provide long-lasting contraception without having to take a daily pill. There are different types of IUDs, and they last for a long time:Copper IUDs are effective as soon as they are inserted and last for up to 10 years.Progestin-releasing IUDs last up to eight years (depending on the brand).Proven EffectivenessIUDs provide effective pregnancy prevention. IUDs are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Fewer than 1 in every 100 couples who use an IUD will experience an unexpected pregnancy. Minimal Effort Required After InsertionOnce your healthcare provider places an IUD, you will likely not need to think about it for years. There is no need to take daily medication or take extra pregnancy-preventing precautions every time you have sex.It is important to note that while IUDs are effective at preventing pregnancy, they do not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Can Be Used as Emergency ContraceptionUnlike many other types of birth control, IUDs can provide emergency contraception. If placed within five days of unprotected sex, an IUD can prevent pregnancy. If you need emergency contraception, call your healthcare provider right away. Options Available for Heavy PeriodsIn addition to providing effective contraception, IUDs may provide relief from heavy periods. One type of IUD releases the hormone progestin. This hormonal IUD may reduce or even stop menstrual blood flow. If you have very heavy periods, talk with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of an IUD.
Related: What to Know About Getting an IUD for Endometriosis
Available for Multiple AgesIUDs are safe and effective for people of different ages. They may be helpful for young people who do not plan to become pregnant for years. They are also a good option for people who have been pregnant and do not want to become pregnant again. Can Remove Any TimeAn IUD is a long-term birth control method that can be removed at any time. A trained healthcare provider can remove your IUD when you are ready. Your body becomes fertile and able to get pregnant again almost immediately after your IUD removal. May Help Prevent Endometrial CancerPeople who use an IUD may have a lower risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer. Progestin-releasing IUDs may protect against endometrial cancer. Both copper and progestin IUDs may protect against cervical cancer. An IUD causes cell changes in the uterus that prevent the development and growth of cancer cells. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about your endometrial cancer risk. Cons of IUDsAn IUD is not right for everyone. There are risks associated with IUDs, so it is important to discuss all of the pros and cons with your healthcare provider. Pain During InsertionA common risk of IUDs is pain with insertion. To place an IUD, your healthcare provider will first wash the cervix with an antiseptic solution, then slide a plastic tube with the IUD through the vagina and into the uterus. Once the tube is inside the uterus, the provider will push the IUD into the uterus with a plunger and remove the tube. Many people find the insertion process somewhat painful or uncomfortable. It is possible to feel cramping pain during and after the procedure.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated medical practice recommendations in August 2024 to suggest providers use lidocaine to numb the cervix during IUD placement. Side Effects During First Few MonthsIUDs may cause side effects during the first few months after insertion. Immediately after insertion, you may feel some discomfort and cramping pain. It is also possible to feel dizzy and light-headed after the procedure. Some people report cramping pain and backaches in the weeks and months after IUD insertion. You may also experience heavier periods in the months after receiving a copper IUD. People who receive a progestin-releasing IUD may experience irregular bleeding or spotting in the first few months. Talk with your healthcare provider if you continue to experience pain without relief. Small Risk for Ectopic PregnancyThere is a small risk of ectopic pregnancy with an IUD. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants into tissue outside of the uterus. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg cannot develop and grow, and the condition can become life-threatening for the pregnant person. Your risk of ectopic pregnancy may be higher if you become pregnant while using an IUD. It is important to note that people who use IUDs have a very low risk of becoming pregnant. Must Be Removed by a Healthcare ProviderWhile an IUD can be removed at any time, it must be removed by a specialized healthcare provider. When your provider places your IUD, they leave two small strings extending out of the cervix. The strings do not protrude from the vagina. When your IUD is removed, the provider uses the strings to guide the IUD out of the uterus. Insertion May Not Work for EveryoneIUDs are not the right choice for everyone. Having an IUD often requires returning to the healthcare provider’s office about two to four weeks after insertion to ensure it is in place. IUDs can slip out of place and fail to prevent pregnancy. It is rare for an IUD to slip out of place. When it does, it must be removed by a healthcare provider. While it is very rare, an IUD can tear (perforate) the uterine wall during insertion. About 1 in every 1,000 people will experience uterine perforation with an IUD insertion. When a perforation occurs, the healthcare provider needs to perform surgery to remove the IUD.The Two FDA-Approved Types of IUDSTwo types of IUDs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).A copper-releasing IUD works by releasing copper ions that create a toxic environment for sperm. It also promotes inflammation and reduces the chance of fertilized egg implantation. A copper IUD starts working immediately after it is inserted and can stay in the uterus for up to 10 years. It can also be used for emergency contraception. A progestin-releasing IUD prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestin. This hormone prevents the ovaries from releasing a mature egg for fertilization. It also thickens the cervical mucus to inhibit sperm from entering the uterus. This type of IUD takes about seven days to start working and lasts in the uterus for three to eight years depending on the brand.A progestin IUD also thins the uterine lining. This usually results in decreased or stopped menstrual blood flow. Common MisconceptionsSome misconceptions and myths you may have heard about IUDs include:An IUD affects your future fertility: This belief is untrue. As soon as an IUD is removed, your body becomes fertile again. They are safe for people of any age, regardless of your future pregnancy plans.Don’t get an IUD until you are done having kids: Your fertility returns after an IUD is removed. It is safe to have an IUD if you plan to conceive in the future. IUDs can cause serious infections: IUDs approved by the FDA are safe and effective. However, if you have an untreated STI when you receive an IUD, your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease is higher.Your partner will feel the IUD during sex: An IUD sits in the uterus rather than the vagina and cannot be felt during intercourse. If your partner feels the IUD strings, a healthcare provider can cut the strings shorter.How to Decide What Birth Control Method Is Right for YouWhen choosing a birth control method, it is important to consider several factors including your age, desire to become pregnant in the future, potential side effects, lifestyle, sexual partners, and overall health.An IUD may be a good fit for you if you want to avoid daily birth control pills and the risks of contraceptive hormones. A progestin-releasing IUD may be helpful if you have heavy periods. An IUD may not be for you if:You have a high risk of STIs or pelvic infection.You are pregnant.You have cervical or endometrial cancer.You have a history of an abnormal Pap test, and your provider recommends against an IUD.Your uterus is very large or very small, and an IUD may not provide effective pregnancy prevention. Summary An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, plastic, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are considered safe and effective for many people. IUDs are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can last for years. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). IUDs are not for everyone. It is common to experience discomfort during an IUD insertion. Do not get an IUD if you are pregnant or have cervical or endometrial cancer. A healthcare provider must insert and remove an IUD. IUDs may cause symptoms such as bleeding, spotting, and cramping in the first few weeks to months after insertion. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether an IUD could be the right fit for you. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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