My older sister says shes getting an iud. Can I get one to?
The IUD is one of many safe and effective forms of birth control. There are two different kinds — copper (also called Paragard) and hormonal. Used correctly, the IUD is more than 99 percent effective against pregnancy, but it offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Advantages
- Super easy to use — no pill to take daily, and nothing to put into place before sex.
- Long-lasting — Paragard (copper) IUDs work for up to 12 years and hormonal IUDs for 3-8 years, depending on the brand you get.
- Hormonal IUDs may reduce menstrual cramps and bleeding. Some people even stop getting their period altogether when they're using it (don't worry — this is totally safe).
- You can have them taken out at any time.
Possible Disadvantages
- Getting an IUD put in can hurt (but it only lasts for a minute or two).
- You may have spotting between periods.
- The copper IUD can cause an increase in cramps and heavier and longer periods (but this can get better over time).
- There can be some rare health risks.
For teens, the IUD can be a good choice because it’s one of the most private methods of birth control. No one can tell you’re using it. There’s no packaging that someone could find.
But some teens may not be able to use an IUD, like if your uterus is too small. A nurse or doctor can tell you if an IUD might be right for you. Some health care providers, however, may not understand that the IUD is safe and effective for younger people and may be unwilling to provide it.
Contact your local Planned Parenthood health center to schedule an appointment.
(Updated August 2022)
Tags: IUD, birth control