What kind of iuds are there

Hormonal IUDs release progestin, which is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. Progestin thickens the mucus in the cervix, which makes it nearly impossible for sperm to reach the egg.

Progestin also thins the lining of the uterus. In the unlikely event that sperm can travel to the egg, this thin lining makes it difficult for an egg to implant in the uterus and cause a pregnancy. There are four different brands of hormonal IUDs:. Copper IUDs do not use hormones.

Instead, the copper damages sperm to prevent it from getting to the egg. It also creates an immune response that stops the development of healthy eggs and destroys any eggs that do develop. ParaGard IUDs begin working immediately, so doctors may choose them when emergency contraception is necessary.

The copper IUD can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years and possibly longer. As with any birth control, the IUD offers benefits but also carries risks. People may wish to talk to a doctor about their medical history and any plans regarding future pregnancy before deciding which IUD is right for them.

The hormonal IUD can also be a good option for people who are unable to use contraceptives containing estrogen , including those who have migraines or a higher risk of blood clots in the legs. However, hormonal IUDs may not be suitable for people with pelvic infections, uterine distortions, unexplained vaginal bleeding, and cervical or endometrial cancer.

Removal is always an option if you decide you want to get pregnant or are unhappy with the side effects. In addition to blocking sperm from reaching the egg, hormonal IUDs thicken cervical mucus, thin the uterine lining, and prevent ovulation. Each type of IUD works for a different length of time. Skyla and Liletta work for three years, Mirena for five years, and ParaGard for up to 10 years.

ParaGard starts to work immediately after you have it inserted. It can take Mirena, Skyla, and Liletta a week to start working. You may need to use a backup birth control method during that time. Hormonal IUDs should make your periods lighter and accompanied by fewer cramps. With the copper IUD, your periods may get temporarily heavier and you might experience more cramps than usual. Your doctor will insert the IUD into your uterus through your vagina and cervix using an applicator.

The whole process takes about 10 minutes. During the procedure, you may experience cramping or dizziness. The IUD has a string attached to it. This string helps you check to make sure the IUD is still in place. It also helps your doctor remove the IUD. Amenorrhea related to a progesterone IUD is not a dangerous or bad thing for your uterus.

As soon as the IUD is removed, the periods return. It was developed as a generic, less expensive alternative to Mirena. It has gone through a slightly different FDA approval process and is therefore approved for 6 years of use instead of 5.

It has all of the same benefits as Mirena. Kyleena, 19mg LNG, can be in place for up to 5 years. It was designed to fit more easily into the uterus of a woman who has never had a baby. Because it is a smaller device, there may also be less discomfort with insertion. With the lower dose of hormone, however, there is a less profound impact on decreasing the bleeding with your period.

Most women continue to have their period. Skyla, 13mg LNG, can be in place for up to 3 years. It is the lowest dose and shortest acting IUD. It is the same size as the Kyleena.

Choosing the best IUD for you is a very personal decision. Are they really heavy and painful? Best for: Women on a budget. This device is a pharmacologic equivalent to Mirena it has the same total amount of hormones , but was developed to be less expensive for women visiting family planning clinics who are either on Medicaid or lack health insurance.

Best for: Women who like the idea of a smaller IUD. What is different is that it releases fewer hormones on a daily basis, meaning more women keep getting their periods on Skyla versus with Mirena — which is appealing if you would prefer to keep your normal bodily function intact, Dr. Brandi says. Only about 6 percent of Skyla users stop getting their period after one year; 12 percent of users stop after three years. If you want contraception for longer, you should probably get a different IUD.

Best for: Women who want more than three years of use, and want to keep menstruating.