Picking a type of birth control is daunting, especially when you can choose from so many options. If you're looking for ease of use, longevity, and effectiveness, an intrauterine device (IUD) may be the best option — but choosing between copper and hormonal is challenging.
At New England Women's Healthcare, our team offers various options for birth control, including IUDs. Our trusted OB/GYN specialists provide all of the information you need to help you determine whether the copper or hormonal IUD is best for your goals and needs.
IUDs are small devices that sit inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types: hormonal and copper. The copper IUD doesn't contain any hormones; it prevents pregnancy because it acts as a spermicide.
Sperm don't like copper, meaning it dies off before it can get past the IUD. ParaGard® is the one copper IUD option that makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.
Hormonal IUDs contain progestin, a hormone that averts pregnancy by preventing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation.
Both types of IUDs are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, but it's essential to know that they don't prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
The copper IUD has many benefits, especially if you're looking to avoid hormonal birth control. It brings no hormonal side effects, and it begins to prevent pregnancy right away.
Another significant benefit of the copper IUD is how long it lasts. Many women can leave the IUD in place for up to 10 years, making it an excellent option for long-term pregnancy prevention.
The copper IUD is also a form of emergency birth control. It can prevent pregnancy if we put it in within five days of unprotected sex. Still, if you're already pregnant, neither option will work.
The hormonal IUD also has several advantages, and there is more than one option. The different types of hormonal IUDs each last varying amounts of time, from 3-8 years.
Hormonal IUDs also help with period symptoms like cramping, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and heavy bleeding. Some women even stop getting their period while they have the hormonal IUD in place.
It's also an excellent option for women who are living with endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The progestin is similar to the body's hormones, which help alleviate the symptoms of chronic issues like PCOS.
Each type of IUDs has a potential for side effects, especially as your body adjusts to it. The hormonal IUDs often have the most side effects, especially in the first few months after insertion. Possible side effects from the hormonal IUD include:
These side effects typically resolve within six months of insertion.
The copper IUD may also have some side effects, such as heavy bleeding, cramping, and spotting between periods.
When choosing between copper and hormonal IUDs, it's crucial to consider various things to make an educated decision. For example, take into account how long you want to prevent pregnancy: The copper IUD gives you 10 years, while the hormonal IUD gives you, on average, five.
If you want to have children within the next few years, the hormonal option may be better for your needs.
Another important factor is how your periods affect your life. If you don't have many issues and want to prevent pregnancy, the copper IUD is a great option. For women who are living with severe cramping and heavy bleeding, the hormonal IUD can cut back on painful symptoms.
Women who have PCOS or endometriosis can significantly benefit from the hormonal IUD, whereas the copper IUD won't provide symptom relief.
The bottom line when choosing a type of IUD is to pick the one that fits your goals and menstrual needs, and whether you're OK with hormones in your body.
Call your nearest New England Women's Healthcare office to set up a consultation for birth control or IUD placement, or request an appointment on the website. We're a premier, full-service practice with convenient locations in Woburn and Wilmington, Massachusetts.
