IUD 101: A Guide to Everything You Need to Know About the IUD

Finding the right birth control method can be like finding the Holy Grail. And the truth is, none of them are perfect: they all have pros and cons. They can disrupt your period, make you emotional, and some of them are hard to stick with. It’s all about finding the best solution for you, even if there’s no perfect option. But if you haven’t considered long-term reversible birth control, I definitely recommend looking into it. You’ve probably heard some of your friends talking about coils or IUDs (intrauterine devices).

I have to admit that I’m biased. I’ve been using one for two years and it’s the best birth control I’ve found, but it still has some issues. But it’s a birth control option that’s growing in popularity, especially since Trump’s election. If you’re curious, here’s what you need to know.

The basics

Not sure how an IUD works? Don’t worry, it’s a little confusing. First of all, in the US, there are five different brands that are FDA approved. They are called ParaGard, Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla. They can be copper (hormone-free) or hormone-based, which usually means they are made of plastic.

They need to be installed by a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional, so don’t try to do this shit yourself.

And while you can get them for free with your insurance, they can cost you up to $1,000 out of pocket. But once you have one, they should last for years—in theory, up to 12 years. However, when you first put one in, you may need to use another form of birth control until it starts working.

An IUD? Copper? I know it sounds scary, like a little screw that gets lodged in your cervix. But it’s not as bad as it sounds. Many women find it a little painful to have them inserted or removed, but no one I know has experienced anything more than a temporary ache.

And when you’re done with them, it’s totally cool. You just take them off. If you want to get pregnant, you shouldn’t have any problems. (Of course, there are always risks, so talk to your doctor!)

They may require some time to adapt.

As with most birth control, there is an adjustment period. “You may experience some cramping and bleeding after an IUD, but this almost always goes away within 3 to 6 months,” Planned Parenthood explains. “Hormonal IUDs eventually make periods lighter and less painful, and you may not have a period at all. Conversely, copper IUDs can make periods heavier and cramps more intense.”

Personally, I felt like I was bleeding in torrents during my first period after getting mine. It wasn’t pretty to see, but it calmed down after a few months.

They are super efficient

I would say the two main advantages of IUDs are 1) once they are in place, you don’t have to worry about them and 2) they are extremely effective. When inserted and used correctly, they are over 99% effective. Plus, some models can be used as emergency contraception instead of a Plan B!

BUT — and this is a big “but” — it doesn’t protect you from IST. And it’s not something you can just sweep under the rug. So for a lot of people, they should be combined with condoms for complete protection.

No, he won’t stab a penis during sex

While the idea of ​​IUDs and copper may not seem like a good fit for sex, rest assured: If the IUD is in place, it shouldn’t hurt your partner—at all. They shouldn’t even be able to feel the IUD, though they can feel the strings. “It’s less common, but still normal, for your partner to feel the strings when you put it in,” Bedsider says.

“For some women and their partners, the strings are more visible if the IUD is newly inserted and become softer and less visible over time.” If you feel like the strings are bothersome or a real inconvenience, you can ask your doctor to cut them. Everyone’s body is different, so cutting them a little may be enough.

They can come out accidentally

Yes, and that’s what happened to me. I noticed something uncomfortable (but not really painful) in my vagina, and when I went to poke around, it felt like the strings were lower than they should be. I was right.

When I went to a gynaecologist they told me I had to have it removed immediately. However, I survived for over two solid years without any complications, and compared to other contraceptives I’ve used, I’m all for it. Apparently it’s very rare for vaginas to come out on their own, but it does happen. In my case, while hiking in Wales (perhaps the most inconvenient place to start experiencing intense vaginal discomfort). However, if I wasn’t in a lesbian relationship with a 0 percent chance of getting pregnant, I would probably use it again.

An IUD was the right choice for me, but that doesn’t mean it would be for you. Finding the right birth control method is tricky. I liked that I could have non-hormonal contraception I didn’t have to think about it. For you, it might be something else. But IUDs are definitely worth a try.