IUD - Broadway Gynecology

IUD Placement

An IUD is a convenient birth control option for women who want a contraception method that suits their lifestyle and their needs. At Broadway Gynecology, Dr. Goltyapina offers IUD placement and removal to help women from the Financial District and throughout New York City manage their health and their futures.

What is an IUD?

IUDs use copper coatings to stimulate the uterus to produce a fluid that’s toxic to sperm (but harmless to the uterus). Intrauterine devices also help thin the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) to prevent the egg from embedding itself in the lining. IUDs are a good choice for women who need long-term but reversible contraception or would like to prevent estrogen exposure (all IUDs) or progestin exposure (copper IUDs).

How does an IUD work?

Some IUDs also use hormones for additional protection from unplanned pregnancy. They can also help to reduce menstrual cramping. Copper IUDs can be left in place for many years – sometimes up to a decade – while those that use hormones, namely Progestin, need to be replaced every three to five years. IUDs can be removed earlier if you desire to have children.

How is an IUD placed?

IUD placement begins like a routine pelvic exam with the patient lying on her back on the exam table. The vaginal canal will be gently widened using a lubricated speculum so the cervix (the opening of the uterus) can be reached. The IUD is inserted into the uterus through the cervix with the upper “T” portion serving as an anchor. The long tail of the T will hang down into the vaginal canal. Very rarely, an IUD may fall out on its own.

Before having intercourse, feeling for the tail helps ensure the IUD is still in place. The tail is also used by the doctor to remove the IUD when it’s time to replace it. Some women may have a little cramping during the IUD insertion placement procedure. Women who are anxious or very sensitive may have a local anesthetic injected into the cervix to numb it prior to insertion of the IUD. Our IUD specialists make sure the procedure is as comfortable for you as possible.

What are the benefits of IUDs?

IUDs are highly effective. During the first year of use, less than 1 in 100 women who use them get pregnant.
You don’t have to try to do anything on a regular basis or take birth control medications.
There are very few side effects associated with IUDs.
IUDs do not contain estrogen, a hormone that some women are unable or unwilling to take because of its side effects.
If you decide to become pregnant, an IUD can be removed. It’s a temporary birth control device.
Using an IUD over several years costs less than many other types of birth control. That’s because after you’ve inserted it, there are no additional costs for it to remain effective.
There is evidence that IUDs may lower your risk of developing cervical cancer.

What are some cons of IUDs?

Unlike condoms, IUDs do not protect you from infections you may contract during intercourse, called “sexually transmitted diseases” or “STDs,” but you and your partner may use a condom to prevent the spread of infections.
Only a physician or other qualified medical provider may insert or remove your IUD.
Initial costs are higher than other forms of birth control. That being said, there are no more costs after it has been placed.
While it’s rare, there’s a small chance that the IUD can accidentally come out. If you see your IUD in your underwear, pad, or toilet, call your doctor or nurse.
If you have had a “pelvic infection” that spread to your uterus and other associated organs, you should not get an IUD. Pelvic infections can frequently occur due to STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.