NM Department of Health Family Planning Program

Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

Click picture for
larger view

What is the Copper T IUD?
What is the Mirena IUD?

What is the Copper T IUD?

An IUD is a small device which is placed inside the uterus. The vertical and horizontal arms of the Copper T 380A IUD contain copper which is slowly released into the uterine cavity. Copper stops sperm from making their way up through the uterus into the tubes, and it reduces the ability of sperm to fertilize the egg. It also prevents a fertilized egg from successfully implanting in the lining of the uterus if fertilization has occurred. Among typical couples who initiate use of this IUD, just less than 1% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or the package insert accompanying the Copper T 380 A.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

The Copper T IUD is one of the most effective reversible methods of birth control currently available in the United States.
This IUD is effective for at least 10-12 years.
Only 2 out of 100 women using a Copper T for 10 years will become pregnant.
The IUD reduces risk of ectopic pregnancies.
This method is quickly reversible after it is removed.
There is a very low cost over time. Use of an IUD is convenient, safe, and private.
All you have to do is check for the strings each month.
The IUD may be used by women who cannot use estrogen–containing birth control pills.
It may be used by breastfeeding women.
The IUD may be inserted immediately following the delivery of a baby or immediately after an abortion.
Some studies of IUDs have shown a decreased risk for uterine cancer. There is also evidence that IUDs protect against cervical cancer.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?

There may be cramping, pain or spotting after insertion.
The number of bleeding days is slightly higher than normal and you may have somewhat increased menstrual cramping. If your bleeding pattern is bothersome to you, contact your clinician. There are medications which may give you a more acceptable pattern of bleeding and cramping.
The IUD provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms if there is any risk.
There is a high initial cost of insertion. However, after 2 years, it is the most cost-effective method.
The IUD must be inserted by a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife or physician’s assistant.
A small percentage of women are allergic to copper.
Some men can feel the IUD strings during intercourse.

WHERE CAN I GO TO GET AN IUD?
You can get an IUD from your doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife or health department. Not all clinicians insert IUDs. Check in advance.

WHAT IF I HAVE SEX AND DON’T USE BIRTH CONTROL?
Did you know that for 120 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in, so you won’t become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about this. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE or (1-800) 584-9911. Some of these sources are free. Also, see the ECPS page.

return to top

What is the Mirena IUD?

Mirena is as effective in preventing pregnancy as tubal ligation (better than 99 percent) and lasts for five years, or until removed. This method has been available for 10 years in Europe and has been used by approximately 2 million women worldwide.

An IUD is a small device which is placed inside the uterus. Mirena IUD contains levonorgestrel. This hormone is a progestin much like the progesterone a woman’s ovaries produce each monthly cycle. Each week the Levonorgestrel IUD gives off about the same amount of levonorgestrel as a woman gets when she takes one or two of the progestin-only minipills. The levonorgestrel causes the cervical mucus to become thicker so sperm cannot reach the egg. Among typical couples who use this IUD, one in 1,000 will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

It is the most effective reversible method ever developed.
It prevents ectopic pregnancies and pelvic inflammatory disease; it decreases menstrual cramping and dramatically decreases menstrual blood loss. Some women have no menstrual bleeding after one year.
This IUD may be left in place for at least 5 years.
IUDs are safe and inexpensive over time.
One of the costs of any contraceptive is the cost to you should your contraceptive fail. Given the extremely low failure rate of Mirena, a person using this method is far less likely to have the emotional and financial expenses associated with an unintended pregnancy.
All you have to do is check for the strings each month.
May be used by postmenopausal women on estrogen therapy to protect the endometrium against endometrial cancer.
Once Mirena is removed, fertility returns rapidly. Approximately 8 out of every 10 women who want to become pregnant will become pregnant in the first year after Mirena is removed.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?

Use of an IUD often changes the menstrual cycle. There may be more bleeding days than normal for the first few months and less than normal after 6 to 8 months. If your bleeding pattern is bothersome, contact your clinician. There are medications which can help you have a better pattern of bleeding.
The IUD provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms if there is any risk.
There is a high initial cost of insertion.
Women who have a recent history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are not appropriate candidates. Use of IUDs has been associated with an increased risk of PID in the first month after insertion.

WHERE DO I GET AN IUD?

You can get an IUD from your doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife or health department. Not all clinicians insert IUDs. Check in advance.

return to top