Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are some of the most popular contraceptives available today. These long-acting contraceptives fit into your uterus and prevent pregnancy for years, without the need for daily pills, weekly skin patches, or regular injections.
Farly Sejour, MD, Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, and our team at Solace Women's Care in Conroe, Texas specialize in contraceptive care, including hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs. We’re here to help you find the best contraceptive for your body.
There are two main types of IUDs to choose from: hormonal and copper. Both are T-shaped devices, but the main differences are how they prevent pregnancy and what common side effects they cause.
Here’s what you need to know about your IUD options.
Hormonal IUDs work by releasing small amounts of progestin, a hormone similar to progesterone, to prevent pregnancy. There are numerous FDA-approved IUD brands are FDA-approved, but we offer Mirena® IUDs at Solace Women’s Care.
The progestin in Mirena prevents pregnancy by thickening your cervical mucus to physically block sperm from reaching an egg and fertilizing it. The hormone also thins the lining of your uterus and partially suppresses ovulation.
As a result, many women experience lighter periods and reduced menstrual cramps when using Mirena. Some women don’t get periods at all.
Because Mirena uses hormones, it can cause the same side effects as other hormonal birth controls. These may include:
Mirena is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 8 years. Once you get the IUD inserted, there's nothing else you need to do. If you decide you want to get pregnant, Mirena can be removed at any time.
Copper IUDs have a small copper wire wrapped around them. Copper is an active ingredient that prevents pregnancy without hormones. At Solace Women’s Care, we offer FDA-approved Paragard® copper IUDs.
Paragard works by preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. It can also prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg and can be used as an emergency contraceptive if it’s placed within five days of having unprotected sex.
Since Paragard doesn’t use hormones, it won’t stop your menstrual cycle. You still ovulate and get your period. Paragard can cause side effects like:
Paragard is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, and it keeps working for up to 10 years after insertion. Like Mirena, you can have Paragard removed at any time if you decide you want to get pregnant.
Both Mirena and Paragard are convenient, effective contraceptives. They’re FDA-approved, and they’re safe for most women.
So if you’re curious about getting an IUD, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sejour and our team. We evaluate your health and your needs at your contraceptive consultation to help you decide which birth control options are best for you.
If you choose Mirena or Paragard, inserting the device takes just a few minutes in the office. Once you have your IUD, it prevents pregnancy for years and you can have it removed anytime you want to start trying for a baby.
Call our Conroe, Texas, office at 936-441-7100 to book your consultation, or send us a message online to learn more.
