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IUD Frequently Asked
Questions
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 What is an IUD?
An IUD is a small, soft piece of
plastic wrapped in copper wire. Omni providers will insert it
through the vagina into the uterus.
An IUD can be left in the uterus for 1 to 3
years, depending on the type of IUD. It stays in the uterus
until a doctor takes it out.
An IUD can be taken out at anytime.
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How does an IUD work?
Health professionals do not know exactly how an IUD works. It
might work in one or both of these ways:
An IUD slows down or stops sperm from moving
and makes the egg travel faster down the Fallopian tube. This
keeps the egg and sperm from meeting so that the egg is not
fertilized.
An IUD changes the lining of the uterus so
that a fertilized egg will not attach to the wall of the uterus.
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What are the side effects
of an IUD?
You might have heavier bleeding and more cramps with your
period.
In very rare cases, the IUD attaches to or
perforates the wall of the uterus and might need to be taken out
through minor surgery.
There is a slightly higher risk of tubal (ectopic)
pregnancy when you use an IUD. Therefore, if you miss a period,
get a pregnancy test right away.
50 to 60% of pregnancies that occur when a
woman is using an IUD are miscarried (spontaneously aborted) if
the IUD is not removed.
If you think you might have an infection, call
your Omni doctor right away. Untreated vaginal infections can
develop into pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). An IUD can cause
PID to develop more quickly.
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How effective is an IUD?
An IUD is at least 98% effective. That means 2 women out of
every 100 who use an IUD could become pregnant.
An IUD does not protect
against sexually transmitted diseases (STD). If you are
concerned about infections, use a condom every time you have sex
to protect yourself from STD.
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How do I get and use an
IUD?
1. Make a first appointment by calling Omni Women's'
Health at (559) 495-3120, 2 to 3 weeks before your period. At
this time, you will:
Discuss your choice of an IUD for birth
control; and
Have a pelvic exam. The exam will make sure
that you do not have any infections and that your uterus is
right for an IUD. If you have an infection, it will be treated
before the IUD is inserted.
2. Make a second appointment to get the
IUD put into your uterus. An IUD is easier to put in when you
have your period. Eat a meal before your appointment and bring
someone with you to support you. Most women feel fine after the
IUD is put in but some women like to go home and rest for
awhile.
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How do I check my IUD?
Check your strings every week during the first 3 months
because your IUD is more likely to fall or slip out during this
time. After 3 months, check your strings at the end of every
period.
Use a back–up method of birth control,
such as condoms, for the first 3 months or if:
- You cannot feel the strings;
- The strings seem longer; or
- You can feel the plastic tip of the IUD.
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How often should I visit
my Omni Doctor?
For a check–up 6 weeks after you get your IUD.
Once a year for a pelvic exam and Pap smear |
