IUD Pros and Cons

What Is an IUD?

An intrauterine device is a type of birth control that a healthcare provider places in your uterus to prevent pregnancies. It’s a long-lasting form of contraception that can keep you from getting pregnant for three to 10 years, depending on the type and brand of IUD.

Like with other forms of birth control, an IUD has advantages and disadvantages. If you’re considering using this form of contraception, you probably have questions. Are IUDs safe? Are there long-term side effects of IUDs? What are the most notable IUD risks and benefits?

This article looks at the pros and cons of IUDs to help you decide if having one is right for you.

Pros of IUDs

IUDs Are Highly Effective

IUDs are 99% effective at preventing pregnancies. That’s one of the most significant advantages of IUDs. Many women choose IUDs for this reason.

IUDs Last for Several Years

Once your provider places your IUD, it continues to prevent pregnancies for up to 10 years, depending on the type. That’s another major benefit of an IUD. It provides protection you don’t have to think about.

Removing an IUD Restores Fertility Immediately

You might have to wait three to six months to get pregnant after stopping other forms of birth control. With an IUD, once it’s removed, you can get pregnant right away. Most people don’t experience long-term side effects, and fertility typically returns quickly after removal.

An IUD May Lower Your Cancer Risk

Copper-releasing IUD may lower your uterine (endometrial) cancer risk. Both copper-releasing and hormone-releasing IUDs might reduce your risk of cervical cancer. This risk reduction is one of the more appealing IUD pros.

Cons of IUDs

Your Provider Must Place and Remove Your IUD

You will have to make appointments to have your IUD implanted in your uterus and removed from it. That might be only two total visits over the course of several years. However, it is still a disadvantage of IUDs.

IUD Placement Can Cause Discomfort

Pain and cramping during and after IUD placement are a common IUD negative side effect. Your provider may recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment to reduce discomfort.

An IUD Can Cause Menstruation Changes

Depending on the type, an IUD can cause longer, heavier menstrual periods, irregular bleeding and spotting between periods.

An IUD Can Shift

While it’s not common for an IUD to slip out of place, it can happen. If so, do not attempt to reposition or remove your IUD. Instead, see your provider to have it removed or repositioned as soon as possible.

IUDs Can Increase the Risk of Ectopic Pregnancies

Having an IUD may increase the chances of an ectopic pregnancy. However, that risk is largely offset by the low likelihood of getting pregnant.

An IUD Can Increase the Risk of Benign Ovarian Cysts

Some types of IUDs might increase your chances of developing benign (non-cancerous) ovarian cysts. However, the cysts typically don’t cause symptoms and resolve on their own.

How To Decide if an IUD Is Right for You

Your healthcare provider can explain IUD types and their pros and cons to you and help you decide if having one is right for you. Generally speaking, an IUD might be the right choice if you’re looking for long-term birth control that can also be removed by your provider to restore fertility immediately. It’s also a good option if you can’t take hormonal contraceptives.

On the other hand, an IUD might not be ideal if you have a particularly large or small uterus, you have cervical or uterine cancer, you have abnormal Pap tests or a recent history of pelvic infections.

Want to talk with a healthcare professional about IUDs? You can find a Baptist Health provider using our online directory.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Women's Care at Baptist Health
How Do IUDs Work?
Hormonal vs. Non-Hormonal Birth Control
What Is a Diaphragm for Birth Control?
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) in Louisville