STD Free Los Angeles aims to provide patients with services and information regarding birth control in a safe environment. One of our popular reproductive services includes the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD).
What’s an IUD?
An IUD is a small device that is inserted into your uterus and prevents pregnancy. It is a long term birth control option and can be easily removed.
What Does IUD Stand For?
IUD stands for intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). The name itself describes how this is a contraceptive placed inside the uterus. It is a small piece of plastic that is shaped like a T and is flexible. It is also known as intrauterine contraception (IUC).
What are the Types of IUDs?
There are currently 5 different FDA-approved brands in the US: Paragard, Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla. IUDs are separated into two categories: copper and hormonal. The Paragard is a copper IUD while Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla are all examples of hormonal IUDs. While there are different types of IUDs, STD Free Los Angeles offers three of them: Mirena, Skyla, and Kyleena.
How Do IUDs Work?
Both copper and hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy. This is done by changing the way that sperm cells move so they cannot reach and fertilize the egg.
The copper IUD, Paragard, works differently from the hormonal contraceptive. The Paragard makes it impossible for the sperm to reach the egg as sperm does not like copper and will avoid it.
Hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy through two ways:
- They thicken the mucus inside the cervix which blocks the sperm.
- They sometimes stop the eggs from leaving the ovaries during ovulation. This means there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize.
How Effective Are IUDs When Used As Birth Control?
IUDs are one of the most common and most effective birth control contraceptives. The hormonal IUDs are more than 99% effective. Patients do not have to worry about their IUD until it is time for it to be removed or replaced, which can be 3-12 years, depending on which type you have.
How Long Does An IUD Last For?
All IUDs differ in how long they can prevent pregnancy. They may last for a long period of time but are not permanent. For example, the Mirena works up to 7 years while Kyleena works for up to 5. The Paragard can last up to 12 years, Liletta can last 7 years, and Skyla lasts the shortest amount, 3 years.
How Can I Get An IUD and Where Should I Get My IUD Removed?
If you are looking to get an IUD near you, visit STD Free Los Angeles. Our clinic provides patients with the opportunity to book an appointment with us online, or simply walk in. We are able to offer our patients three different types of hormonal IUDs: Mirena, Skyla, and Kyleena. Patients are taken care of every step of the way. If you are looking for a walk in clinic for IUD removal, contact STD Free Los Angeles for more information today!