
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.

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
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.