Copper IUD

The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a long-term birth control option that does not contain hormones.  It is a T-shaped device that is wound with fine copper wire.  The device works by producing an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm, and that makes the endometrium hostile to implantation of a pregnancy.  The copper IUD can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years after insertion, and is one of the most effective forms of contraception.

Among various benefits, the copper IUD: eliminates the need to interrupt sex for contraception, can remain in place for up to 10 years, can be used while breastfeeding, does not carry the risk of side effects that are related to hormonal contraception, such as blood clots; can be removed at any time, and can be used for emergency contraception if inserted within five days of unprotected intercourse.  Additionally, it is placed in the office setting.

Side effects associated with the copper IUD include bleeding between periods, cramps, severe menstrual pain, and heavy bleeding.  It is also possible to expel the copper iUD from your uterus, and this is more common in women that have heavy or prolonged periods, have previously expelled an IUD, are younger than age 25, and had the IUD inserted immediately after childbirth.

Risks of the copper IUD include ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube) in the event that a woman does become pregnant.  Because the copper IUD prevents more pregnancy, the overall risk of having an ectopic pregnancy is lower than that of sexually active women that do not use contraception.  The copper IUD does not protect against STIs.  Talk to your doctor to see if the copper IUD is a suitable choice of contraception for you.

Hormone IUD

The hormone IUD is a long-term birth control option, and it contains progestin (levonorgestrel) hormone.  It is a T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus, where is releases hormone at various rates.  This prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and thins the lining.  It can be used in premenopausal women of all ages, including teenagers, and is placed in the office.

Benefits of the hormone IUD includes: no need to interrupt sex for contraception; it can remain in place for up to 3-5 years; it can be removed at any time after which there is a quick return to fertility; it can be used while breastfeeding, and it does not carry the risk of side effects related to birth control that contain estrogen.  The hormone IUD can also be used to decrease heavy menses and menstrual pain related to the growth of uterine lining outside of the uterus.  It can also decrease the risk of pelvic infection and endometrial cancer.

Side effects include: headache, acne, cramping or pelvic pain, breast tenderness, and irregular bleeding which can improve after 6-9 months of use.  Like the copper IUD, the hormone IUD is more likely to be expelled from the uterus in certain patients.

Risks of the hormone IUD include ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube), should pregnancy occur with the IUD in place.  Because the hormone IUD prevents most pregnancies however, women who use it are at a lower risk of having an ectopic pregnancy than are other sexually active women who are not using contraception.  The hormone IUD does not protect against STIs.  It is important to talk to your doctor to see if the hormone IUD may be a contraceptive choice for you.

Contraceptive Implant

The contraceptive implant is a long-term birth control option for women.  It is a flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that is placed under the skin of the upper arm.  The implant can prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years, after which it must be removed and replaced to continue offering protection from unintended pregnancy.  This contraceptive option releases a low, steady dose of progestin hormone, thereby thickening cervical mucus, thinning the lining of the uterus, and also often suppressing ovulation.

Among the benefits of the implant are: it can be removed at any time after which there is a quick return to fertility, it contains no estrogen, and it eliminates the need to interrupt sex for contraception.  It is also the most effective contraceptive on the market with an effectiveness of 99.1%.

Side effects may include abdominal or back pain, increased risk of noncancerous ovarian cysts, changes in vaginal bleeding patterns or absence of menses, decreased sex drive, nausea or upset stomach, increased hunger and weight gain, and sore breasts.

Risks of the implant include a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy (when the pregnancy is outside of the uterus, and usually in the fallopian tube) if the implant fails.  Women who use it are at a lower risk of ectopic, however, than other sexually active women that are not using contraception.  In some cases of deep placement, removal of the implant can require additional imagining due to migration of the device.  Therefore, it is important that women are always able to palpate the device in their arms after placement.  The contraceptive implant does not protect against STIs.  It is important to review your medical history with your doctor before deciding whether the implant is the correct contraceptive option for you.