5 Benefits of IUD Birth Control

With so many types of birth control to choose from, you might be unsure which one is right for you. Many women find an intrauterine device (IUD) to be a good option because of the many benefits it offers.

At Raveco Medical, our skilled OB/GYNs provide a range of birth control methods to prevent unintended pregnancies, including nonhormonal and hormonal IUDs. We help you make the most informed decision about your choice of birth control based on your preferences and your health history.

How an IUD works

An IUD is a t-shaped device that we place inside your uterus. There are both hormonal IUDs and nonhormonal IUDs available to prevent pregnancy.

Hormonal IUDs

Hormonal IUDs release a steady stream of progestin hormones to prevent ovulation. They also thicken your cervical mucus to prevent sperm from traveling to eggs.

Our providers at Raveco Medical offer several brands of hormonal IUDs, including Mirena® and Skyla®.

Nonhormonal IUDs

Nonhormonal IUDs like ParaGard® are made of copper materials. Copper irritates uterine tissues and creates an environment that is toxic to sperm. Because sperm can’t survive, they can’t fertilize the egg.

For women who can’t tolerate hormones because of underlying medical conditions or other factors, nonhormonal IUDs can be a safe and effective birth control option.

5 benefits of IUDs

IUDs offer many benefits for women who need reliable birth control, including:

1. Convenience

In order to use an IUD, our providers need to insert the device into your uterus during a minor, in-office procedure. Once in place, there’s nothing further you need to do to prevent pregnancy.

IUDs make it easy for women to prevent pregnancy without disrupting intimate moments.

2. Effectiveness

IUDs provide one of the most effective birth control options available. The device offers 99% effectiveness to prevent pregnancy in women of all ages.

3. Long-lasting protection

The hormonal IUDs available at Raveco Medical typically last 3-5 years, while the nonhormonal versions last up to 10 years.

4. Reversible

In addition to the long-lasting benefits and IUD offers, you can also have the device removed when you want to become pregnant. Our physicians can remove your IUD at any time to restore your fertility.

5. Potential health advantages

For some women with heavy periods or risk factors for endometrial cancer, hormonal IUDs can help. Using a hormonal IUD may lighten or stop your periods and can also lower your cancer risks.

Our providers can discuss how an IUD can work in your specific health situation.

Is an IUD right for you?

An IUD is an effective, convenient birth control option for many women. However, the device may not be right for you in some cases.

If you have an abnormally shaped uterus, we may not be able to place an IUD safely. You also may not be a candidate for this type of birth control if you experience bothersome side effects like severe cramping or irregular bleeding after your IUD placement.

Our providers work closely with you to find the right birth control solution. If you can’t use an IUD, we can recommend other pregnancy prevention strategies like birth control pills, Depo-Provera® injections, or the Nexplanon® hormonal implant.

Schedule an appointment for birth control counseling online or call the Raveco Medical office near you today.