Debunking common myths about IUDs

Author: Meaghan Bachop

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Trinh Nguyen MB BChir.

 

Don’t let the rumors fool you: IUDs aren’t as scary as they sound.

In a world where women have been taught to keep quiet about their sexual health, it can be challenging to find accurate information about contraceptive options. Minimal sexual education (at best) is provided in school systems, which means women are often left to their own devices to learn about birth control, their options, benefits, drawbacks, and everything in between. 

Curious if your IUD can “wander” off in your body or whether your partner can feel your IUD during sex? We sat down with Dr. Trinh Nguyen MB BChir, UK General Medical Council, one of Upsilon’s medical professionals, to set the record straight on some common myths about IUDs. 

 

Question: What is an IUD?

Answer: An intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of birth control that works by creating an unfavorable environment in the uterus that prevents sperm from reaching the fallopian tubes and fertilizing an egg.1 

 

Question: What types of IUDs are there?

Answer: In the U.S., there are currently 5 IUDs available. Four are hormonal (Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena, Skyla), and one is copper-based (Paragard).

 

Question: Do IUDs cause infertility?

Answer: There have been many studies on hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs that have found no increased risk of infertility after use.2 

 

Question: Are IUDs only for women who have had children?

Answer: No! IUDs can be a great option to avoid unplanned pregnancies whether you’ve had children previously or not.3 

 

Question: Can IUDs travel to other parts of your body?

Answer: No; however, as with any medical procedure where a foreign device is inserted into the body, there are some levels of risk. Studies have reported that less than 1.3% of IUD placements resulted in perforation (caused damage) to the uterus 4 which means this is very unlikely to happen.

 

Question: Are IUDs reversible?

Answer: Yes. Your healthcare provider can safely remove IUDs at any time.5 It’s important to note that fertility resumes as soon as the IUDs are removed, so make sure you’re using protection if you’re still trying to avoid getting pregnant. 

 

Question: How long do IUDs last?

Answer: Depending on the type of IUD, they can last 3-10 years.6

 

Question: Are IUDs effective?

Answer: Yes! IUDs are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.6 Especially for people who want a “set and forget” method of contraception, IUDs are a great option as they require very little maintenance.

 

Question: Do IUDs protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)?

Answer: No. IUDs don’t protect against STIs. Using other forms of physical protection, such as condoms, can help to prevent the spread of diseases.5

 

Question: Do IUDs only come in one size?

Answer: No. Some IUDs can come in different sizes depending on your life stage; however, it depends on which type/brand you choose.

 

Question: Do IUDs change your menstrual pattern?

Answer: Depending on what type of IUD you have, you may experience some irregularities with your menstrual cycle upon insertion and/or removal. Some people who use the hormonal IUD experience irregular or a loss of their periods. Other people who use the copper IUD have reported irregular periods and spotting in between, which are all common side effects.7

 

Question: Do IUDs hurt or cause discomfort for you or your partner during sex?

Answer: No. IUDs, in general, are not felt by either you or your partner. In cases where you experience discomfort, you should speak to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.5

 

Question: Can your IUD fall out?

Answer: While uncommon, your IUD can become misplaced and/or fall out. This is called “expulsion” and typically happens within the first three months after insertion. Within the first year of having an IUD, the rate of expulsion is between 2-10%.8

 

Question: Can you use tampons with an IUD?

Answer: Yes! IUDs sit in the uterus, while tampons are inserted into the vagina. A quick note that while tampons are safe to use, it’s recommended to avoid using them until at least 24-48 hours after IUD insertion to avoid a risk of infection.9

 

Question: Do IUDs cause weight gain?

Answer: No, there have been many studies done that show both hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs do not cause weight gain.7

 

Question: How soon after getting an IUD can you have sex?

Answer: You should wait at least 24 hours after having an IUD inserted before having vaginal sex to avoid the risk of infection. It’s also important to note that depending on which IUD you decide to go with, it can take time to begin effectively preventing pregnancy, depending on the day of your cycle when the IUD was inserted.7 

 

Now that we’ve debunked some common myths about IUDs, we hope you feel more confident and empowered to navigate your birth control options! At Upsilon, we bring a deep understanding of women’s reproductive health and a commitment to improving contraception options through innovation to support modern women’s lives.

 

References:

  1. Cleveland Clinic. Intrauterine Device (IUD). Cleveland Clinic. Accessed January 22, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24441-intrauterine-device-iud
  2. Grimes DA. The intrauterine device, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility: the confusion between hypothesis and knowledge. Fertil Steril. 1992;58(4):670-673. doi:10.1016/S0015-0282(16)55309-6
  3. Bahamondes MV, Bahamondes L. Intrauterine device use is safe among nulligravidas and adolescent girls. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2021;100(4):641-648. doi:10.1111/aogs.14097
  4. Rasekhjahromi A, Chitsazi Z, Khlili A, Babaarabi ZZ. Complications associated with intravesical migration of an intrauterine device. Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2020;63(5):675-678. doi:10.5468/ogs.19105
  5. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC): Intrauterine Device (IUD) and Implant. Published online April 2024. Accessed January 14, 2025. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/long-acting-reversible-contraception-iud-and-implant
  6. Cleveland Clinic. LARC (Long-Acting Reversible Contraception). Cleveland Clinic. Accessed January 14, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23269-larc?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  7. Planned Parenthood. What are the side effects of IUDs? Accessed January 14, 2025. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/iud-side-effects
  8. Espey E, Hofler L. Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Implants and Intrauterine Devices. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Published online November 2017. Accessed January 22, 2025. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2017/11/long-acting-reversible-contraception-implants-and-intrauterine-devices 
  9. Brown Health Services. Intrauterine Device (IUD) Aftercare Instructions. Brown Health Services. July 2022. Accessed January 21, 2025. https://healthservices.brown.edu/sites/default/files/handouts/IUD-Aftercare-Instructions2022.pdf