7 Benefits of an IUD for Birth Control

The modern world of family planning is impressive — there are options that cover almost every need and goal when it comes to preventing an unplanned pregnancy. As a result, slightly more than 65% of American women of reproductive age use some form of contraception.

This same abundance of choice is also a challenge — the sheer number of birth control options can be confusing.

To help you sift through some of your options for family planning, the team of women’s health care providers at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology is taking on intrauterine devices (IUDs) in this month’s blog post.

Here are seven benefits of IUDs that illustrate why this birth control option is so popular.

1. You have a choice in IUDs

IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that we place inside your uterus. How they prevent pregnancy depends upon which type of IUD you choose, and there are two to choose from:

Hormonal IUDs 

This form of IUD slowly releases progestin, which thickens the mucus around your cervix to trap sperm and prevent it from passing through. This hormone also thins the lining of your uterus, making it unsuitable for implantation of an embryo.

Copper IUD

These IUDs do not contain any hormones but are wrapped in copper, which is natural sperm repellent.

2. IUDs provide long-term protection

If you’re looking for long-term protection against pregnancy, IUDs answer the call. Hormonal IUDs offer 3-8 years of protection while copper ones provide up to 12 years of protection.

3. IUDs work very well

Whether you choose hormonal or copper, both versions of IUDs offer impressive 99% efficacy ratings for preventing pregnancy.

4. Hormonal IUDs can mean lighter periods

If you have heavy periods, you might opt for a hormonal IUD. As we mentioned, with this choice, the hormone thins the lining of your uterus, and this effect can lead to lighter periods.

5. IUDs are easy to use

If you want birth control that doesn't require a lot of effort, IUDs are perfect. After we insert the IUD during a quick, in-office visit, you’re all set.

6. IUDs are easily reversed

As easy as IUDs are to use, they’re equally as easy to reverse. To re-establish your fertility, you simply return to our office and we can quickly remove the device from your uterus. 

7. IUDs can be used as emergency contraception

A side benefit of IUDs is that they can be used as emergency contraception — up to five days after having unprotected sex. We place the IUD as we normally would within 120 hours of unprotected sex, and it’s 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. And you can keep the IUD in place for ongoing protection.

As you can see, there are several reasons why so many of our patients prefer IUDs for their family planning needs.

To explore whether an IUD is right for your goals, please contact Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology at one of our New York locations — in lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Flushing, Queens, and Syosset on Long Island — or request an appointment online.