Fequently Asked Questions about IUDs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions that our teen and young adult patients ask us about Intrauterine Devices (IUDs). If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact University of Colorado Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.
Is it safe not to have a period? Really?
Yes! Not having a period (or only really light bleeding) is one of the best parts about having a progestin IUD. The medicine in the IUD prevents the lining of the uterus from getting thick. This means that it is safe to NOT have periods.
How long does it take to place the IUD?
The actual pelvic exam and IUD placement take less than 5 minutes. Your appointment will be scheduled for about 30 minutes or more because you need to give a urine sample, talk to the nurse and doctor about your health history, and get ready for the procedure.
How will the progestin IUD affect my acne?
If you have moderate or severe acne, it is possible that the progestin IUD may make it a bit worse. But there are many medications that you can use to make it better.
The birth control pill, patch, and ring make acne better. If you are switching from one of these methods to an IUD, and have had bad acne in the past, talk to your doctor about what to expect with using the IUD.
Is it safe to take another hormonal therapy and use an IUD?
Yes! Sometimes people need to use 2 different methods to help with their periods or other concerns. This is a safe thing to do if prescribed by your doctor.
Can I still use a menstrual cup when I have an IUD?
The menstrual cup is a great option for dealing with period blood, but there have been some rare reports of people accidentally pulling out their own IUD with use of the cup. Talk to your doctor if you are planning to use a menstrual cup while using an IUD.
Tampons are always safe to use when you have an IUD.
Why am I still bleeding with my progestin IUD?
Some people have frequent bleeding and spotting for the first 3-6 months after getting a progestin IUD, and sometimes even longer. Please let your doctor know if this is bothering you as there may be tests that should be done, or medications that will help it go away.
My partner said they can feel my IUD strings. What does this mean?
There are strings attached to the IUD that come out at the opening of the cervix. This is at the very end of the vagina and usually a partner can’t feel them because they get curled up and tucked away. If your partner can feel the strings at times but they do not bother them in any way, this is OK, and nothing needs to be done. If the strings are bothersome or seem to have changed in some way, please call your doctor, and let them know.
What is the best type of IUD?
In our practice, we most often recommend the Mirena or Liletta IUDs because they are the best at treating menstrual problems as well as being great birth control.
See a side-by-side comparison in our types of IUDs section.
All IUDs are safe and work well.
Why can I use my Mirena IUD for 7 years, when it is FDA-approved for 5 years?
Lots of medical research shows that both the Mirena and the Liletta IUDs work great for 7 years. The FDA labeling on the Mirena IUD is for 5 years, and the labeling on the Liletta for 6 years, but it is safe to use both for 7 years instead.
In our practice, we usually recommend that you have a new IUD placed about every 6-7 years depending on your schedule and when it is most convenient for you to have done.
What is the medicine inside the IUD?
The medicine in the IUD is called levonorgestrel. This is a type of progestin, which is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, naturally made by the body at the time of ovulation. Levonorgestrel has been studies for many decades and all the scientific evidence shows that it is safe to use, even for long periods of time.
What causes the brown discharge that I have with my IUD?
Sometimes people with a progestin IUD will notice at times brown or yellowish discharge that might look like mucus or old blood. Check in with your doctor to make sure no tests are needed, but usually this is a normal side effect of the IUD. It happens because the IUD thins out the lining of the uterus and so there is just a tiny amount of bleeding (spotting) which then turns brown or even black as it gets older. The progestin in the IUD also thickens cervical mucus which may change the type of vaginal discharge while using an IUD.