IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are one of the most effective types of birth control! They look like little Ts with two strings hanging off of the bottom. After a doctor inserts an IUD, it can stay in the uterus for 3-12 years to prevent pregnancy and/or help with irregular periods.
How do IUDs work?
Since an IUD goes into the uterus, a doctor has to insert it. Once it’s inside, two thin strings attached to the IUD hang out of the cervix and part-way into the vagina. The strings will come in handy when it’s time to take the IUD out. An IUD is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy!
How exactly these little devices get such amazing results depends on what kind is being used:
- Copper IUDs (like Paraguard) are made of (you guessed it) copper! Copper messes with the way sperm swims, so they can’t get to the egg to fertilize it. It can also outright kill some of the sperm.
- Hormonal IUDs (like Mirena and Skyla) release small amounts of hormones, so they work like all hormonal birth control. These IUDs make it hard for the sperm to fertilize the egg by thickening the cervical mucus and/or preventing ovulation.
Who can use an IUD?
IUDs can be a good option for people of any age. Some doctors say that people who are young or haven’t given birth shouldn’t have one, but this isn’t true. According to the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), they’re safe for young people and people who’ve never given birth.
However, IUDs might not be a good idea for you if you:
- Have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Have an untreated STI
- Are currently pregnant
- Have certain health issues like Lupus or blood clotting issues
A doctor is the best person to explain whether an IUD is a safe option for you!
How much does an IUD cost?
IUDs are cost-effective overall because they stay in for years, but they can come with a big bill up front. A copper IUD costs $45 – $350, while a hormonal IUD costs $250 – $550. RAMQ will only cover copper IUDs when inserted after an abortion. Doctors in the public system can’t charge for hormonal IUDs. But usually, you’ll have to buy your own device at a pharmacy and have a doctor insert it. More on that in the next section!
If you have one, a private insurance plan might cover IUDs. If you’re a student, your school might provide you with insurance. Check with them directly, or through Studentcare, to find out about your options!
How do I get an IUD?
If you want to get an IUD, you have to visit a doctor for a consultation. The doctor will give you a physical exam, including an STI test, and (sometimes) a pregnancy test, to make sure an IUD is safe for you. They’ll also explain the advantages and disadvantages of both types of IUDs.
If you decide an IUD is right for you, the doctor will give you a prescription to buy one at your pharmacy. Once you have it, you’ll take the IUD in to another appointment for the insertion. Some doctors will do both appointments, while others will refer you to a specialist. After the insertion, doctors will probably tell you not to put anything in your vagina or front hole for 72 hours.
If you don’t have a family doctor or gynaecologist, you can find a clinic close to you that does insertions by calling Info-Santé at 811. If you’re 25 or under, you can also visit Head and Hands, a youth clinic near Vendome metro.
Will getting an IUD inserted hurt?
Everyone’s experience is different, but getting an IUD can be painful. Some people only feel a little discomfort, while others feel a lot of pain. The good news is, you have options to manage the pain! Doctors do this in different ways like:
- Pain medication: Prescribing medications ranging from Advil to stronger options.
- Numbing gel or spray: These can be applied to the cervix before the IUD is inserted.
- Practical choices: Decisions like using the smallest speculum size or placing the IUD during your period can help minimize pain.
- Anxiety reduction: Stress is linked to feeling pain so doctors will make sure you understand the procedure, prescribe you anxiety meds, and/or provide distractions during the procedure (music, games, etc.).
Talk about what options your doctor offers before the insertion so you can decide what’s best for you! If you feel like your doctor isn’t taking your concerns about pain seriously, you can reach out to another clinic to find one that does. If you’re very stressed about the pain, you might be able to find a doctor who will sedate you. But, it can be hard to find someone who will, and sedation can come with extra costs and risks.
After the insertion, you might feel pain and cramping for a few days. Contact the clinic you went to if the pain is bad and/or still there after a week.
What do I do when I have an IUD?
To make sure the IUD hasn’t moved out of place, you should put a finger into your vagina or front hole to check for the strings about once a month. You can go to a clinic if you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself. It’s also a good idea to see a doctor if you have pain or notice anything unusual.
Other than that, there’s nothing to do until it’s time to have the IUD removed by a doctor! Many people prefer IUDs because they don’t need to remember to take a pill at the same time every day, or to change a patch or ring.
What are the benefits of using IUDs?
There are lots of possible benefits to IUDs:
- Low long-term cost: Since you can use an IUD for 3-12 years, they’re cheaper over time.
- Lighter periods: Hormonal IUDs can make your periods lighter, shorter, and less painful.
- Fewer side effects: Hormonal IUDs usually have fewer side effects compared to other forms of hormonal birth control. The copper IUD has no side effects associated with hormones.
- Emergency contraception: You can use the copper IUD to avoid pregnancy if you get it inserted within 7 days after unprotected vaginal sex.
- Low maintenance: No need to do anything aside from checking the strings every month!
What are the drawbacks of using IUDs?
Like with any form of birth control, IUDs can also have drawbacks:
- No STI protection: IUDs only protect against pregnancy. Only barrier methods, like condoms and dental dams, can prevent STI transmission.
- Pain: IUD insertion can be painful. You can ask the person installing it about your pain management options.
- Expulsion: Sometimes the uterus will reject the IUD, and it will start to fall out.
- Heavier periods: Copper IUDs can sometimes make periods heavier, longer, and more painful.
- Perforation: Very rarely, IUDs can poke through the wall of the uterus during insertion. In serious cases, you might need surgery.
- Depression (and lower libido): People sometimes feel depressed or have lowered libidos after getting a hormonal IUD. Contact your doctor if you feel these side-effects.
- No diva cups: You shouldn’t use a menstrual cup if you have an IUD.
Signs your body is rejecting your IUD
Look out for signs that your body is rejecting your IUD. Seek medical help if you notice:
- Discharge that has a strong smell
- Partners feeling the tip of the IUD during penetration
- Strong cramps
- Spotting 6+ months after the insertion
- Dangerously heavy periods or bleeding in-between periods
- Any signs of allergic reaction to the material
IUDs aren’t the only type of long-term birth control! If you still want something long-term, or with less side-effects, talk to your doctor about your other options.
Check out the resources below for more on IUDs and other birth control options.
