IUD Birth Control in New York City
IUD birth control is one of the most effective, low-maintenance forms of contraception. The device is a small T-shape that is inserted into the uterus and may remain in place for many years.
Types of Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
There are two different types of IUD birth control, hormonal and non-hormonal (or copper), that are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Each type of IUD offers its own advantages, but both options need to be checked monthly as well as annually by your health care provider in order to ensure proper placement and functionality.
Hormonal IUDs
We offer Mirena and Skyla, which slowly release progestin hormones found in many birth control pills. Levonorgestrel reduces the monthly thickening of the uterine lining, thickens cervical mucus and inhibits sperm movement to prevent pregnancy. In addition to being used for contraception, they are also used to treat heavy periods and decrease the severity of bleeding, cramps, and PMS symptoms. Both provide continuous birth control for up to 3-5 years.
Non-hormonal IUD Birth Control
The non-hormonal IUD offered is called ParaGard, a copper IUD. The copper is wrapped around the plastic device and prevents fertilization of the egg by damaging or killing sperm, as copper is toxic to sperm. With annual checkups ParaGard can be effective in continuously preventing pregnancy for up to 10 to 12 years. If you decide to reverse the procedure, fertility is re-gained immediately after the non-hormonal IUD is removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it painful to have an IUD inserted?
An IUD (Intrauterine Device) insertion is usually well tolerated by most women. Local anesthesia may be applied to the uterine cervix prior to the insertion. Some women may experience pain and dizziness after insertion, which usually settles after resting for a short time.
Will I bleed after having an IUD fitted?
Women using an IUD are more likely to experience an increase in blood loss each month than non-users. This typically occurs because of increased duration and heaviness of menstrual flow, but may also result from irregular bleeding and spotting in between periods.
Can the IUD be used as emergency contraception?
The IUD can be used as an emergency contraception and must be inserted within 5 to 8 days (ideally within 120 hours) after unprotected sex. Because of the insertion procedure, the IUD is not suitable to be used regularly as emergency contraception.
Will an IUD affect my periods?
Women with an IUD can experience an increased duration and heaviness of menstrual flow.
How long is it safe to have an IUD fitted for?
An IUD can be left in place from 5 up to 10 years, depending on the type. After this time, it will need to be replaced with a new device. If this method of contraception has worked well for you, and if you still wish to use a long-term contraceptive option, then you can discuss with your doctor or healthcare provider about continuing with this method.
Can the IUD come out or get stuck in my uterus?
The IUD must be inserted by a trained healthcare provider who will follow the necessary procedure to ensure it is correctly positioned. Occasionally, the muscular contractions of the womb during menstruation may sometimes push it out of place or expel it. Very rarely it can perforate the wall of the uterus. If a user of an IUD experiences any unusual bleeding, pain or discomfort, her doctor must be informed as soon as possible.
Will my partner or I feel it during sex?
Neither you nor your partner should feel the IUD during sexual intercourse. If you do, sexual intercourse should be avoided until your doctor has checked that the IUD is still in the correct position.
Can the IUD travel from the woman’s uterus to other parts of her body?
The IUD never travels to any other part of the body outside the abdomen. The IUD normally stays within the uterus like a seed within a shell. Rarely, the IUD may come through the wall of the uterus into the abdominal cavity. This is most often due to a mistake during insertion. If it is discovered within 6 weeks or so after insertion or if it is causing symptoms at any time, the IUD will need to be removed.