An intrauterine device (IUD) offers a convenient form of birth control that you don’t have to think about once it is in place. IUD placement is among the many services provided at Marina OB/GYN in Marina Del Rey, Hawthorne, South Gate, Long Beach, Torrance/ Gardena, Carson & East Los Angeles, CA. The expert team performs this quick and easy in-office procedure with a same-day visit option to give you one of the most effective birth control options. Your insurance will cover 100% of the cost and often won’t even need an authorization to get the IUD. Even if you have a medi cal or a medical group (IPA) insurance that we dont accept, you can likely still be seen, same day, at Marina Obgyn for an IUD placement. For an appointment, call or click on the contact page today.

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What is an IUD?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a very small, T-shaped device that your practitioner implants into your uterus as a form of birth control. It can remain in place for a lengthy period of time, preventing pregnancy from 3-10 years.

The two types of IUDs include:

Hormonal

The hormonal IUD contains progestin, which is a hormone. It thickens the mucus in your cervix to stop sperm from traveling, thins the lining of your uterus to prevent an egg from implanting, and suppresses ovulation — all to prevent pregnancy.  The levels of hormone in the devices works locally at the uterus / endometrium thus very little to no hormones circulate you body.  With this extremely low amount of hormone in your body, the chance of side effects is slim to none.  The IUD’s only have progestone, NOT Estrogen, thus they work to decrease risk of 3 different types of female cancers.  With progestone only, and NO Estrogens, patients rarely if ever have side effects from the use of this birth control method.

Nonhormonal

This type of IUD is made from copper, which repels sperm. Therefore, the sperm doesn’t fertilize your egg.

During your consultation, you and your practitioner can determine which option might be best for you.

What does an IUD placement involve?

You can expect a fairly quick and painless procedure when you come into Marina OB/GYN for your appointment. You lie on the exam table and position yourself as if you’re having a pelvic exam.

Your provider inserts a tool called a speculum into your vagina, which causes you to feel slight pressure, but no pain. The providers at Marina ObGyn have created a way to admister local anesthetic without causing pain, which leads to a nearly painless placement of the IUD.  Next, they insert your IUD through your cervix and into your uterus.  Many people fear receiving an iud because of the pain they have read about or their friends and family have told them about.  However, a vast majority of physicians do not use pain medications like Marina ObGyn does.  Thus, we eliminate that barrier in making a truely painless placement of the IUD.

The entire process, from start to finish, takes about 15 minutes. You may feel mild cramping during and after your placement, which is normal. Over-the-counter ibuprofen can help resolve these temporary symptoms.

What are the benefits of having an IUD placement?

After an IUD placement, you don’t have to worry about taking additional steps to prevent pregnancy. The biggest advantage is convenience. There’s no need to remember to take a pill or deal with concerns about your partner’s condom breaking.

An IUD also lasts for years, making your sex life an enjoyable part of intimacy without worrying about getting pregnant.

When does an IUD start working?

Nonhormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy immediately. However, if you have a hormonal IUD, it can take up to two weeks before becoming fully effective unless inserted during your period.

No matter what type of IUD you choose, it’s best to refrain from sexual activity for the first 24 hours after insertion.

If you’re ready to consider an IUD placement for birth control, call the health experts at Marina OB/GYN today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.