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The birth control pill is one of the most popular forms of contraception in the United States. But more and more women are choosing long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like the intrauterine device (IUD) to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
At Medical Care for Women in Astoria, New York, our women’s health expert, Dr. Andrea Olanescu, offers many birth control options. But we find many of our patients love the convenience and effectiveness of an IUD.
Given our experience, we wanted to share with you why women are increasingly choosing the IUD over other birth control options.
One reason women may be choosing IUDs more and more is because there are hormonal and non-hormonal options.
The birth control pill contains hormones that stop you from ovulating. Many women have concerns about the side effects of the hormones in birth control pills and may be searching for an alternative method.
A hormonal IUD contains progestin, the hormone found in most birth control pills. Your hormonal IUD releases small amounts of progestin, which thickens the mucus in your cervix to prevent sperm from passing through and alters your ovulation.
The non-hormonal IUD is made from copper, a natural spermicide that prevents sperm from reaching your egg for fertilization.
When choosing a birth control method, one of the factors you need to take into consideration is how well it works. According to the Office on Women’s Health, IUDs are as effective at preventing pregnancy as having your tubes tied, which is a permanent form of birth control.
Less than 1 in 100 women who use an IUD for birth control gets pregnant.
In addition to being effective at preventing pregnancy, IUDs also provide protection for many years. Depending on the brand and type of IUD you choose, the device works for 3-12 years.
Aside from protection, women love IUDs because they involve a set-it-and-forget-it procedure that provides long-term protection without needing your active participation.
Unlike a daily birth control pill, regular injections, or in-the-moment methods like condoms, once we place your IUD, there’s nothing more you need to do. And placing the IUD is a snap — we simply insert the T-shaped device in your uterus, an in-office procedure that takes just minutes.
When it comes to family planning, we know how much you want to remain in control of when you have children. If you’re ready to start your family, we can remove your IUD and your fertility returns to normal right away, unlike other forms of birth control.
And removing your IUD is even easier than placement. We simply pull on the strings tied at the end of your IUD and remove the device from your uterus.
Ultimately, the type of birth control that’s best for you depends on many factors, and we’d be happy to help you figure out what method makes the best choice for you. Contact our Queens office by phone or online today.
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