Intrauterine Contraceptive Device
What is an IUD?
An IUD is a small T-shaped device that is placed in the uterus by a healthcare provider. It sits inside the uterus, and the cervix keeps it in place. Once it is in, you cannot feel it. There are two types of IUDs: the non-hormonal–copper T IUD and the hormonal–levonorgestrel IUD.
Non-hormonal Copper T IUD
- The non-hormonal copper T IUD contains no hormones and is made with copper and plastic. The copper prevents pregnancy by acting as a spermicide (a substance that kills sperm), preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.
- It starts preventing pregnancy as soon as it is placed. In fact, the copper T IUD is an extremely effective method of emergency contraception when it is placed within five days of unprotected intercourse.
- Once in place, it is effective for up to 10 years.
Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD)
- Hormonal IUDs contain the progestin levonorgestrel, which is a hormone. Hormones are chemicals that control how different parts of your body work. The progestin causes cervical mucus to thicken and the lining of the uterus to thin. This keeps the sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.
- It may take a week for the hormonal IUD to begin working, so ask your healthcare provider if you should wait to have sex or use a back-up birth control method (such as a condom) in the meantime.
- It is effective for 3 to 5 years, depending on the type.
- It may also be called an intrauterine system or an intrauterine contraceptive.
Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services