In Office Procedures: IUD (Intrauterine Device)

An IUD is type of birth control that is placed inside the uterus. It is reversible and is effective for up to five years.

Candidates for an IUD are those who have had at least one child and do not wish to get pregnant within the next five years. Saint Louis Associates in OB/GYN , Inc. use both Mirena and Paragard IUD’s. Paragard is a copper and plastic device that is hormone free. It works by preventing sperm from reaching the egg which prevents fertilization; it also prevents the egg from attaching to the uterus. Mirena is a plastic device and works by releasing small amounts of the hormone levonorgestrel. It is estrogen free, thus preventing estrogen related side effects, but works similarly to the Paragard.

More Information on the IUD