GET THE FACTS SHARE YOUR STORY SIGN UP FOR TEXTS FIND A CLINIC
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.
Share hero@2x

AREN’T YOU GLAD SOMEONE
TOLD YOU ABOUT THE IUD?

Your friends might wonder what it’s like to have an IUD. You can help them find out! If you tell friends about your IUD, they can decide if they want one, too.

HOW TO BRING IT UP…

You can talk to a friend about the IUD when…

  • Their phone alarm goes off to take their pill.
  • They say they have heavy or painful periods.
  • They say they don’t want to get pregnant.
  • You’re talking about birth control anyway!

TALK ABOUT…

  • Why you chose the IUD. Different people choose different birth control methods for their own reasons. What made you like the IUD? Did you choose the hormonal kind (Mirena, Skyla, Liletta) or non-hormonal kind (Paragard)?
  • How it felt to get it inserted. Did it feel how you thought it would?
  • Where the clinic is... and share the phone number or website you used to make an appointment.
  • How it’s going for you. Now that you have it, how do you like it?
  • How they can get the IUD for free... and nobody has to know about it! Young people can get free birth control confidentially in California. Clinic staff can sign them up for a program called FamilyPACT so they can get it!

THEY MIGHT WANT TO KNOW…

  • The IUD prevents pregnancy better than other methods like the pill or shot.
  • You don’t have to remember to take your method every day. The IUD works by itself for 3-10 years, depending on which one you have. If you want, you can get the IUD taken out at any time.
  • The IUD has few or no hormonal side effects.
  • Other people can’t see that you use an IUD.
  • Hormonal IUDs can make your period lighter or go away completely. They can also make your period irregular.
  • Everyone is different, and their experience might not be like yours.

WHAT ARE REAL PEOPLE SAYING?

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.

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.

Snap ghost@2x

Add us on Snapchat — SpeakOutIUD

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.