What is it?
Intrauterine contraception is a small Y or T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a health-care provider in an office or clinic.
There are two types of Intrauterine Contraception:
- Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD), also called Intrauterine system (IUS) (e.g., Mirena, Kyleena)
- Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)
How does it work?
Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena) release the hormone progestogen, which thickens cervical mucus and blocks sperm from reaching an egg, preventing fertilization and pregnancy. The hormonal IUD also thins the lining of the uterus, preventing a fertilized egg from implanting into the uterine wall and, therefore, preventing pregnancy.
The copper wire in the Copper IUD prevents pregnancy by changing the chemistry of the uterus, negatively impacting the mobility of the sperm and altering the lining of the uterus, preventing a fertilized egg from implanting.
How effective is an IUD in preventing pregnancy?
- The Hormonal IUD (Mirena & Kyleena) are 99.9% effective.
- The Copper IUD is 99.4% effective.
Talk to your healthcare provider (physician or nurse practitioner) or visit a sexual health clinic to find out what will work best for you.
Check out this infographic from Sex & U for more information.
Does an IUD prevent sexually transmitted infections?
IUDs are effective at preventing pregnancy but do not protect you and your partner(s) from sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) .
To protect against pregnancy and STBBIs use a condom and/or oral dam (dental dam) with the IUD every time you have sex for dual protection.
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