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SpeakOut is brought to you by doctors at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a leader in reproductive healthcare and research that works to ensure that young people have accurate and helpful information on birth control and other reproductive health issues.
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FIND OUT IF THE IUD IS THE
RIGHT METHOD FOR YOU!

It’s important to learn about your birth control options and find the right method for you! Ever thought about using an IUD? Get to know more about it here.

WHAT’S AN IUD?

The IUD is a tiny, flexible, T-shaped piece of plastic. The hormonal IUD (like Mirena, Skyla, or Liletta) has hormones in it and the non-hormonal IUD (known as Paragard) has copper wrapped around it, which make it hard for a sperm to meet an egg and cause a pregnancy. It can be left in for up to 3-10 years depending on the type you choose.

WHERE WOULD IT BE IN MY BODY?

The IUD sits in your uterus. Your healthcare provider at the clinic will insert the IUD into the vagina and through the cervix. Once it’s in, your cervix keeps it in place and you can’t feel it. Your provider can easily take it out by pulling on the IUD’s strings.

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BENEFITS + SIDE EFFECTS

MANY PEOPLE LIKE THAT IT IS…

  • EFFECTIVE – It's over 99% effective, so it’s better at preventing pregnancy than other methods like the pill or the shot.
  • CONVENIENT – The IUD works by itself. You don’t have to remember to do anything.
  • LONG-TERM – The hormonal IUD lasts 3-5 years, and the non-hormonal IUD lasts up to 10 years!
  • REVERSIBLE – You can have it taken out at a healthcare center any time you want.
  • ESTROGEN-FREE – The hormonal IUD only has the hormone Progestin, and has fewer hormones than methods like the pill or the shot. The copper IUD is hormone-free.
  • PRIVATE – No one can see that you have an IUD, but if you have sex, your partner might feel the strings.

AND YOU CAN GET ONE FOR FREE!

Young people in California can get birth control for free, and no one else has to know about it! Ask clinic staff about how to sign up for a confidential program called FamilyPACT.

WHAT ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS?

Side effects are different for everybody. Some people say their hormonal IUD causes less cramping and lighter periods. Some people will stop having a period completely. This is totally safe.

Some people say their non-hormonal IUD causes heavier periods and more cramping. After 6 months, many people’s periods and cramping will go back to normal. You can ask your provider about all potential side effects when you visit a clinic.

REAL STORIES ABOUT THE IUD

Iud nathalie
Nathalie wanted birth control she didn’t have think about. She used the non-hormonal IUD, Paragard, as emergency contraception, and then switched to a hormonal IUD, Mirena, which she loves!
Iud liz
Liz decided the hormonal IUD, Mirena, was the best method for her because she wouldn’t have to set an alarm to remember it. Liz likes that her IUD has made her abnormal periods more regular.
Iud luna
Luna wanted a method without hormones, so she chose the non-hormonal IUD. She has heavier periods now, but feels more connected to her body and thinks the changes were worth it.
Iud abby
Abby tried different birth control methods before getting the non-hormonal IUD, Paragard. She loves that the Paragard is long lasting, but also reversible.
Iud tabitha
Tabitha is a go-getter who didn’t like having to remember taking a pill every day. For her, the carefree nature of the hormonal IUD, Mirena is ideal.

PREGNANCY ISN’T A
CONCERN FOR ME.
WHY
WOULD I USE THE IUD?

Many people aren’t sexually active or don’t have the type of sex that can cause a pregnancy (you know – penis-in-vagina sex). Even if pregnancy isn’t a concern for you, there are still things to love about the IUD:

  • Bye, periods – The IUD can reduce and even stop periods. This is totally safe and really awesome for people who don’t want to have a period anymore.
  • Less cramping – The IUD can make your cramps better.
  • Long-term plan – If you aren’t sexually active now, maybe you will be later. The IUD prevents pregnancy for 3-10 years, depending on the type you choose, so you’ll have your birth control all figured out if you choose to have sex.

And if you are having penis-in-vagina sex, you can for sure get pregnant without birth control. The IUD is over 99% effective, meaning it’s one of the best birth control methods for preventing pregnancy – maybe it’s right for you!

QUESTIONS

You’ve got questions about the IUD? We’ve
got answers.
Click the questions below to
learn more about this amazing method.

Is the IUD safe?
Yes. IUDs have been used safely by millions of people in the U.S. Ask your provider about risks of using an IUD when you visit a clinic.
SHOW ANSWER
Does it hurt to get inserted?
Everyone is different. Some people say it didn’t hurt as much to get an IUD inserted as they thought it would.
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Can I get pregnant after I use the IUD?
Yes! You can get pregnant right away after removing it. The IUD will not make it harder to get pregnant in the future.
SHOW ANSWER
Can I get an IUD even if I’ve never had a baby?
Yes! IUDs are totally safe for people who haven’t had a baby.
SHOW ANSWER
Can it move around the body or fall out?
Once the IUD is inserted, it is very unlikely that it will move around the body or fall out.
SHOW ANSWER
What about the IUD and STIs?
IUDs do not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. Use latex condoms (or polyurethane if you are allergic to latex) to reduce the risk of STIs. Condoms work well to prevent STIs, but they do not protect against STIs 100%.
SHOW ANSWER

SpeakOut is brought to you by doctors at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a leader in
reproductive healthcare and research that works to ensure that young people have accurate and helpful
information on birth control and other reproductive health issues.

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This tool is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for,
professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you
have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional health care provider.