Intrauterine devices, commonly known as IUDs, are placed inside the uterus for a considerable time, ranging from 3 to 12 years. The duration is decided based on the type of device you choose. It’s extremely popular, as it is highly effective, removes the fear of pregnancy, allows women the freedom of spontaneous sex, and also saves from the embarrassment of frequent removal, cleaning, and insertion.

1. What are IUDs
They are small plastic devices shaped like the alphabet “T,” which may or may not contain hormones. In a hormonal IUD, small quantities of hormone progestin are released into the body. The duration of such a release will depend on the type of device you choose. These are short-term and temporary contraceptive devices. Once you reverse your decision, you can get it removed by a health care worker, and your reproductive system will begin to function normally, increasing the chances of pregnancy. While hormonal IUDs contain hormones, non-hormonal IUDs use copper to prevent pregnancy.

2. Hormonal IUDs
When a man’s sperm enters the eggs released by the ovaries, it is called fertilization, leading to a woman’s pregnancy. Hormonal IUDs interfere with this process. Hormones stop ovulation, and the ovaries stop releasing eggs. Cervical mucus is produced by the cervix and released into the vagina. Among other functions, the cervical mucus ensures that the sperm travels to the egg for fertilization. Hormonal IUDs make the cervical mucus thicker than normal, making it impossible for the sperm to travel to the egg – hormonal IUDs are considered doubly effective in preventing pregnancy.

3. Types of hormonal IUDs
You can find four brands of hormonal IUDs that have been approved currently in the US. All four IUDs have similar hormones – synthetic progestin. They differ by the amount of progestin they contain and the duration they can stay in the uterus and prevent pregnancy. The brands Skyla works for 3 years, Kyleena for 5, and Mirena and Liletta stay effective for about 7 years. You can remove them anytime you want, though only with the help of a healthcare worker. Once you remove it, you will be able to have kids, and these IUDs do not affect your fertility in any way. If you are comfortable and want to continue using an IUD even after the specific duration, you can ask a healthcare worker to replace it. Note down the expiry date, and ensure you remove it on time. You can become pregnant if you use the IUDs past the stipulated date.

4. Non-hormonal IUDs
They are made of flexible and high-grade plastic shaped like a “T,” and the wings of the “T” are wound with copper wires. When it was introduced, it was referred to as Copper-T. There is a specific purpose for the copper – sperms deflect from copper naturally and are unable to move to the egg. Thus without an egg, there is no scope for fertilization. The biggest advantage of non-hormonal IUDs is they can be used for longer periods. The only approved Copper IUD in the US is Paragard IUD, and it can remain in the uterus for about 12 years.

IUDs can also function as an emergency contraceptive after unprotected sex or sexual assault if inserted within five days from intercourse.