IUD Insertion and Removal in Baltimore, MD

An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small, T-shaped device that fits inside your uterus and blocks sperm from fertilizing your eggs. Women’s Health and Cosmetic Services of Maryland offers IUD insertion and removal to prevent pregnancy. We serve residents in Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Washington, DC area.

What is an IUD?

IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are are small, T-shaped devices that are placed inside the uterus to provide long-lasting birth control. A long, plastic “tail” extends into the vaginal canal. Before having intercourse, you should check for the tail to ensure the IUD is still in its proper place. Although rare, an IUD can sometimes fall out, so checking to ensure it's in place before having sex is very important. IUDs rank high among your best options for birth control.

How does an IUD work?

IUDs use copper or hormones (or sometimes both) to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or to prevent the egg from descending. Some IUDs also cause the cervix to increase the amount of mucus it produces to make it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.

How are IUDs inserted?

An IUD can be placed during a normal office visit during a simple procedure that takes just a few minutes to perform. First, your vaginal canal will be gently widened using a speculum. The IUD is inserted through the cervical opening to the uterus. Most women experience little discomfort, but a local anesthetic can also be used to numb the cervix prior to IUD insertion if necessary.

Are there different types of IUDs?

Yes, there are two types: copper and hormonal. The copper IUD employs a copper wire wound around the base of the device, and it can remain in place for up to 10 years. The hormonal IUD releases hormones that prevent pregnancy, and they can remain in place for three to five years, depending on the brand. Some studies show the hormonal IUD is slightly more effective than the copper IUD in preventing pregnancies.

What are the different types of IUDs?

There are several types of IUDs available, and our office offers all of them. The different types of IUDs include:

• Paragard®

Paragard is a copper IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years. This is the only IUD that doesn’t release hormones into your body to prevent pregnancy. Instead, the copper from the device repels sperm.

• Mirena®

Mirena prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones, similar to the birth control pill. This type of IUD works for up to 8 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods and contains progesterone.

• Liletta®

Liletta is a hormonal IUD that is effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 6 years and women can use it regardless of if they have given birth.

• Kyleena®

Kyleena is similar to Mirena, but it releases a slightly lower amount of hormones and isn’t a treatment for heavy periods. Kyleena also prevents pregnancy for up to five years.

• Skyla®

Skyla releases an even lower dose of hormones than Mirena or Kyleena. Skyla protects against pregnancy for up to three years.

How often does an IUD need to be replaced?

That depends on the type of IUD that's being used. Most IUDs can remain in place from three years to 12 years, and they can be removed whenever you like during a routine office visit.

Are IUDs safe?

Yes, IUDs have been used for many years to provide safe, effective contraception. Once in place, they can remain effective for years, making them a very popular option for birth control.

What risks are associated with IUD use?

Especially during the first year of use, there's a slight chance the IUD will be expelled from the uterus, which is why it's important to check to ensure the string is in place prior to sex. There is also a very small risk the IUD will cause a small perforation in the uterus. This most commonly occur during insertion.

How can I tell which IUD is right for me?

During your office visit, we'll discuss the different types of IUDs as well as the advantages of each so you can make an informed decision you feel good about.

How does an IUD compare to other birth control methods?

If you don’t want to get pregnant, our clinic offers several different options for birth control, including:

• Birth control pills
• Vaginal rings
• Sterilization
• IUDs

Aside from sterilization, all these options are reversible if you decide you do want to have a baby in the future.

IUDs offer the following benefits:

• Convenient: Your doctor inserts the IUD into your uterus during an office visit. After the IUD insertion, you don’t need to take any further action. This makes IUDs different from pills, which you must take every day, and rings, which you need to insert into your vagina every month.
• Consistent: You may have heard that the pill or the ring is 99% effective “when used perfectly.” Sometimes, accidents happen and you forget to take a pill at the right time. An IUD eliminates user error by providing consistent, reliable contraception on its own.
• Cost-effective: Hormonal IUDs last three to five years, depending on the type, while a copper IUD remains effective for over 10 years. Instead of buying new pills or a new ring every month, an IUD offers long-lasting birth control you only have to pay for once.
  

What should I do if my IUD falls out?

Our doctors check your IUD during regular wellness exams to make sure it stays in place. In rare cases, the IUD may move or fall out completely. This is more likely to happen during your period.

If your IUD does fall out, please call our office immediately. It’s important that your doctor re-inserts it for you.

If you’re exploring birth control options and want to learn more, call our Glen Burnie office, or book an appointment online today.

What are the benefits of IUDs?

In addition to being a powerful form of long-term birth control, IUDs also offer other benefits including:

• You can’t forget to use them
• Return to normal fertility after removal
• Lighter periods or none at all
• Easy insertion and removal
• Birth control for years at a time
• Lower risk of certain cancers

 One of the greatest benefits of IUDs is that you don’t have to think about it on a daily basis. Once inserted, your IUD begins to prevent pregnancy immediately, or within seven days, depending on the type of IUD. 

What are the side effects of Intrauterine Devices?

While the IUD is one of the most effective and convenient forms of birth control, you may suffer some initial side effects that should disappear within a year of IUD insertion. For women who choose non-hormonal/copper IUDs, you may experience:

• Heavy cramps
• More substantial period bleeding that before
• Spotting in between periods

However, the effects subside after six months to a year and rarely cause any severe complications.

For hormonal IUD users, the effects may vary depending on your body’s reception of the hormone Progesterone. Some common effects are:

• Lighter periods
• No periods at all for some women
• Lighter cramp pains than before
• More substantial periods, depending on your body

Overall, the intrauterine device is an excellent Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive choice, as it has a highly successful record in preventing pregnancy and maintaining proper reproductive health for its users.

What can I expect when I get my IUD?

The insertion process for an IUD is simple. During an office visit, your provider inserts a speculum into your vagina and then uses a small tube with which to insert the IUD. The IUD goes through your cervix and into your uterus. The string on the IUD hangs down through the opening of your cervix so your provider can remove the IUD in the future.

The insertion process takes just a few minutes. You won’t feel the string or the IUD at all once it’s in place, though, typically you experience some cramping and pain for the first few minutes. Immediately following IUD insertion, you may have some back pain and cramping, but many people don’t experience any unpleasant symptoms at all. 

While IUDs don’t protect you against sexually transmitted diseases, they are a great long-term birth control option if you’re in a long-term relationship with the same partner and don’t wish to become pregnant.

To learn more about IUDs and other forms of birth control, call the office to schedule an exam or request an appointment through the convenient online booking tool. 

If you are looking for a long acting birth control option such as an IUD, long acting contraceptive to help prevent pregnancy with reversible birth control. Please call our office to schedule an appointment.  Contact Women’s Health and Cosmetic Services of Maryland to learn which Birth Control Option is right for you? We welcome women from Baltimore, Annapolis, Glen Burning and the surrounding Maryland cities.