There are small strings on the end that protrude through the cervix into your vagina, letting you know that the IUD is still in place. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a type of birth control that are inserted through the cervix into your uterus. Sherry Ross, MD, ob-gyn is the author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Gil Weiss, MD, ob-gyn is a partner at the Association for Women’s Health Care in Chicago and is an assistant professor at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.ĭr. Over several years, it becomes more economical than birth control pills,” he adds. Plus, “it’s very reasonably priced in the long run. “The IUD is in you, and it’s not dependent on human behavior,” he says, “You get the IUD placed by your physician and you know it’s in there doing its job.” Weiss compliments the IUD for its low maintenance, as well as success rate. Globally, about 14.3 percent of reproductive-aged people use IUDs.

The choice is a matter of personal preference.

No one is thought to be better or safer than another, so you can't really go wrong if you've made up your mind about using IUDs. The good news is all types of IUDs are comparable in success rates. “And each of these IUDs do it in a different manner.” “IUDs work by interfering with the ability of the sperm and the egg to get together,” says Gil Weiss, MD, an ob-gyn at The Association for Women’s Health Care in Chicago and Associate Professor at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play

Iud birth control