Birth Control Options: The Progestasert Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Copper T IUD
Levonorgestrel IUD
Progestasert IUD

WHAT IS THE PROGESTASERT IUD?

An IUD is a small plastic device which is placed inside the uterus. IUDs are safe and provide extremely effective long-term contraception. The Progestasert IUD is shaped like a “T” and its vertical arm contains progesterone. This hormone is exactly the same as the progesterone a woman’s ovaries produce each monthly cycle. The progesterone causes the cervical mucus to become thicker so sperm cannot get to the egg. The progesterone also changes the lining of the uterus so implantation of a fertilized egg cannot occur. Among typical couples who use this IUD, about 2% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. The Progestasert IUD is not as effective as the Copper 380-A IUD or the new Levonorgestrel IUD called Mirena. Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or the package insert accompanying the Progestasert IUD.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

• This IUD provides effective contraception for one year (approved for 18 months in France).
• There is decreased menstrual cramping and decreased menstrual blood loss with use of this IUD.
• There is nothing to do at the time of intercourse.
• IUDs are far more easily reversible than male or female sterilization.
• All you have to do is check for the strings each month.
• May be used by postmenopausal women on estrogen to protect the endometrium against endometrial cancer.
• This IUD may be used by some women who cannot take estrogen.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?

• Use of the IUD commonly leads to irregular periods and increases the number of days some women have spotting. While there is less overall blood loss, the number of bleeding days is greater than normal. If your bleeding pattern is bothersome to you, contact your clinician. There are medications which can be given to you which may give you a more acceptable pattern of bleeding.
• Some women stop having periods completely. If you know that this may happen with the progestasert IUD, you may actually enjoy not having monthly periods.
• There may be some cramping or pain at the time of insertion.
• This IUD has to be replaced in one year; other IUDs can be left in longer.
• It is costly to remove and reinsert a new one each year.
• This IUD offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
• There is a slightly increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease at the time of insertion.

WHERE DO I GET THIS IUD?

You can get an IUD from your clinician, health department, or family planning clinic. Not all clinicians insert IUDs. Check in advance. Most clinics insert IUDs when a woman is on her period or within 7 days of the start of the period.

WHAT IF I HAVE SEX AND DON’T USE BIRTH CONTROL?

Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in, so you won’t become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about this. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE or (1-800) 584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free. PLAN B is the emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea, the least vomiting, and has the lowest failure rate.

The Pill | The Mini-Pill | Birth Control Shot | Abstinence  | Cervical Cap

Breastfeeding | Vasectomy | Female/Male Condom Choices

Contraceptive Film (VCF) | Natural Family Planning  |  IUD's

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) | Vaginal Spermicides

Tubal Sterilization | The Ring | The Patch

Wyoming Health Council

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