Are Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) the Most Effective Way to Prevent Pregnancy?

Is it important that your birth control be highly effective? If you answer yes, you should know more about the benefits of intrauterine devices (IUDs). In addition to being low-hassle and invisible, IUDs work extremely well at preventing pregnancy.

Dr. Leonardo Longoria and our team at Longoria OBGYN in El Paso, Texas, prioritize women’s health. We offer birth control counseling to determine the right type of pregnancy prevention for you. And, if an IUD matches your reproductive health needs, Dr. Longoria performs your IUD insertion in our office. Let’s look at the benefits of IUDs.

The effectiveness of IUDs in preventing pregnancy

Different types of birth control offer various benefits. Some work well for spontaneous use and some offer additional protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

An IUD won’t help you avoid STDs. The implant needs to be put in place by a doctor at a scheduled visit, but after that, it works continuously without any further action needed. Where IUDs really shine is in their effectiveness rate.

IUDs are over 99% effective for pregnancy prevention. In fact, IUDs are more effective than nearly any other birth control option, short of a sterilization procedure like a tubal ligation. Your IUD keeps working effectively for as long as 3-10 years. The small T-shaped device, implanted through your cervix, sits at the entrance to your uterus. 

You can opt for a copper IUD that uses the natural properties of that metal to directly prevent pregnancy implantation, or use a Mirena® IUD that also releases contraceptive hormones into your body. In some cases, hormonal IUDs result in the cessation of your menstrual periods while in place.

Reversible and long-lasting IUD birth control

The other benefit of IUDs you should know about is reversibility. Highly effective ways of preventing pregnancy like sterilization can’t be reversed. But, if you use an IUD, you can choose to reverse your birth control and re-engage with your fertility at any time.

The IUD simply needs to be removed. All it takes is one quick appointment at Longoria OBGYN. After that, your fertility fully returns and you’re able to work on getting pregnant at any time.

IUDs belong to the family of birth control known as long-acting, reversible contraceptives (LARCs). LARCs work well as a strategy to deal with the human error problem that can occur with birth control.

Other birth control methods like condoms work very well under lab conditions, but not as well when people forget to use them every time or when condoms age to the point of breaking. With an IUD, perfect use is guaranteed. Simplify your life and get rid of some worries or potential sources of stress by opting for an IUD.

Finding the right type of birth control for you makes a difference in your peace of mind, reproductive plans, and whole-body health. Consult Dr. Longoria about whether an IUD could be the right pregnancy prevention approach for you.

Schedule your appointment by calling our office today or requesting a visit online anytime.