Effective against pregnancy, the IUD is one of the best options available to you if you want to avoid pregnancy for an extending period of time.
What is IUD Birth Control?
A small piece of flexible plastic, the IUD can be placed into your uterus to prevent sperm from reaching your eggs.
IUD is short for Intrauterine Device and is can also be referred to as an IUC or Intrauterine Contraception.
The FDA has approved 5 IUD brands; ParaGard, Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta and Skyla.
- Each option works a little bit differently with ParaGard relying on the use of copper to steer sperm away from eggs and the other four IUDs using the hormone progestin to do it.
- Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla rely on progestin to stop ovulation and to thicken the mucus in your cervix so that fertilization is not able to take place following sexual activity.
IUDs are long-term birth control solutions that are reversible, so you won’t have to worry about not being able to take them out if you decide that you want to try and get pregnant at some point.
Advantages of IUD Birth Control
Regardless of which IUD option you choose, all IUDs are designed to last for years, which gives them one big advantage over other forms of birth control.
- While birth control pills, shots, patches and rings only work for a brief period of time, an IUD will work for at least a few years, with some brands able to protect you from getting pregnant for more than a decade.
- In addition to preventing pregnancy, IUDs can also be used as an emergency contraceptive. They can prevent pregnancy when implemented within 5 days of unprotected sex.
Disadvantages of the Long Term IUD Birth Control
It’s important to note that while IUDs are effective in preventing pregnancy, they will not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. You will still need to utilize condoms during sex to stop the spread of STDs.
Let South Avenue Women’s Services tell you more about IUDs by calling us at 585-271-3850 today.
We can help you figure out if an IUD is the right choice for you.