Ask A NurseCategory: PregnancyI’ve never been pregnant—can I use an IUD?
Anonymous asked 5 years ago

I’ve never been pregnant—can I use an IUD?

1 Answers
Elika Roohi Staff answered 5 years ago

Yes! IUDs are excellent choices for birth control for women of all ages, whether you’ve ever been pregnant. The beauty of an IUD is that it is easy to use. Once your gynecologist inserts it, you don’t have to do anything else: No pills to take every day, no ring to replace each month. It’s highly effectively – equally as effective as a vasectomy.

There are 3 IUDs currently available. The Copper T IUD has no hormones, is effective up to 10 years, and can make your periods a little longer, heavier, and more crampy. The Mirena IUD has a small amount of progesterone hormone, is effective up to 5 years, and can make your periods shorter and lighter. Some women do not bleed much at all with Mirena – yes this is safe! The Skyla IUD also has progesterone hormone, but a smaller amount, is effective up to 3 years and may also make your periods lighter. Talk to your nurse or healthcare provider about which one is best for you. Remember if you do choose an IUD, you must always use condoms – IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.