IUDs are an extremely effective form contraception. In fact, their failure rate is less than 1% in the first year of use. You also don't have to remember to use them daily--you insert and forget for a few years depending on the kind you're getting.
Let's get into it so you can make an informed decision with your health team. If you're looking for more info like this, make sure to check out "The Period Literacy Handbook" for everything you need to know about your menstrual cycles, hormones, contraception, and more!
Let's clear up some lingo:
We sorta reduce all of these to IUD, which is fine!
Both the copper IUD and hormonal IUD are T-shaped devices (look at the pic in this post!). The IUD is inserted through the vaginal canal by your doctor--insertion and removal of an IUD are medical procedures. In fact, they can be quite painful procedures, which is why discussing pain management is really important before you get the procedure. Painkillers like ibuprofen (Advil) do not work, but you do have options available. Unfortunately, too many menstruators go experience medical trauma associated with IUD insertion and removal, and this is NOT OK!
The copper IUD has a plastic T-shaped fram with copper wiring and collars. It works by creating a local inflammatory response in the uterus that leads to a not-so-hospitable environment for sperm; i.e., sperm motility and viability are decreased.
Pros of the copper IUD:
Cons to consider:
The hormonal IUD is also a T-shaped device, but instead of having copper, it has a little reservoir of the progestin hormone called levonorgestrel. This levonorgestrel is released slowly over the lifespan of the IUD. This hormone does a few things: it thins out the uterine lining, thickens cervical mucus which makes it difficult for sperm to swim in, and it interferes with implantation of a fertilized egg in case a sperm did make it through.
The most common hormonal IUDs (you might've heard of the Mirena) has 52mg of this hormone that gets released over its 8-year lifespan. A higher amount is released at the beginning, like 18-20mcg per day, and then as it approaches the end of its time, it releases closer to 10mcg per day.
There are also lower-dose hormonal IUDs like the Kyleena and Skyla, which need to be replaced sooner, at the 3-5 year mark.
Pros of the hormonal IUD:
Cons to consider
*You may or may not ovulate (regularly) while on the hormonal IUD
Well, that's a conversation to have with your health team based on your age, values, goals, medical history, and circumstances. If you're looking for a naturopathic doctor to discuss your options with, you can book in here. Obviously, we can't 100% predict how you'll react to a certain intervention, but IUDs are generally tolerated quite well!
Even through they're super effective as contraceptives, there can be the rare occasional (and it is quite uncommon) to get pregnant while having an IUD. If this happens, there is a high chance of the pregnancy being an ectopic pregnancy, i.e., the fertilized egg implanted outside of the uterine cavity. So, if you get a positive pregnancy test while on one, then go see your doc ASAP!
The choice of which contraception you use is yours. You're always allowed to change your mind. Here are some final comparisons to help you out:
Consider the copper IUD if:
Consider the hormonal IUD if:
