Q&A Category: IUD

Is there a birth control method that actually works too well? #505/15

Jun 5, 2015 | Injections/Implants, IUD

YOU MUST READ THIS ONE! Q:        What does Katha Pollitt have to say about birth control that works too well? A:        What if there were something that simultaneously cut the unintended-pregnancy rate and the abortion rate, while saving a bundle of taxpayer money? ...

Could I try to become pregnant the month after my Mirena IUD removal? #402/15

Jun 1, 2015 | IUD

Q         I am 35 years old and have had the Mirena IUD for over 3 years with no problems.  My periods stopped during that time.  My menstrual history is good with regular periods and no problems. My husband and I are ready to have another baby, so I had my Mirena...

I have not stopped bleeding since I had the ParaGard IUD inserted and this is preventing intercourse and I am concerned. When will this stop? #309/15

May 29, 2015 | IUD

Q         I had the ParaGard IUD placed about a week or so ago.  I started bleeding bright red blood about 2 days after and it has not stopped.  It is not heavy, but more like my normal periods are and I had a period 8 days before my device was inserted.  I had an...

Is my patient a good candidate for combined pills, a ring or a patch? #409/15

Apr 19, 2015 | Contraception, IUD

Q:        Hello, I have a question about postpartum birth control.  My patient is a 29 year old who just had her first baby (vaginal birth).  She is exclusively breastfeeding.  Her pre-pregnant BMI was 45.  Because of her weight, one of my partners thought it would be...

Could I try to become pregnant the month after my Mirena IUD removal? #402/15

Apr 12, 2015 | IUD

Q         I am 35 years old and have had the Mirena IUD for over 3 years with no problems.  My periods stopped during that time.  My menstrual history is good with regular periods and no problems. My husband and I are ready to have another baby, so I had my Mirena...

I have not stopped bleeding since I had the ParaGard IUD inserted and this is preventing intercourse and I am concerned. #309/15

Mar 22, 2015 | IUD

Q         I had the ParaGard IUD placed about a week or so ago.  I started bleeding bright red blood about 2 days after and it has not stopped.  It is not heavy, but more like my normal periods are and I had a period 8 days before my device was inserted.  I had an...

Could a zinc supplement damage a ParaGard IUD? #1205/14

Jan 26, 2015 | IUD

Q:        Dear Dr. Hatcher, Can a half year or so of zinc supplementation damage a ParaGard IUD or make it less effective?  I’ve come across a few articles saying copper and zinc “antagonize” each other, but those articles are older (70’s and 80’s) and hidden behind...

After 4 years of using the Mirena IUD at age 52, I am having some brown discharge. Should I have it removed? #104/15

Jan 8, 2015 | IUD

Q:        I am 52 years old. I have been using my Mirena for a full 4 years. I have not had any problems so far, but I will also say I did not have normal periods of bleeding. I had a few blood discharges on wiping only. I did not have a proper period since I get the...

What is the protocol for the timing of insertion of an IUD after STI screening or treatment? #1010/14

Nov 17, 2014 | IUD

Hi Dr. Hatcher! I hope you’re doing well! This is McLain (my husband and I worked on the Spanish Choices translation last year). I graduated from Emory, and I’ve been working as a CNM in Texas.   I’m happy to report that we are using a lot of LARC...

How can fibroids of the uterine wall be treated? #1009/14

Oct 31, 2014 | IUD

Updated December 30, 2014  Fibroids (myomata) of the uterine wall can cause pain, heavy bleeding, anemia, and lead to failure of implantation of a fertilized egg or to repeated early miscarriages. 99.5% of fibroids are benign. 20% of women over 30 have some evidence...

What contraceptives help to prevent endometrial cancer? #1003/14

Oct 30, 2014 | IUD

A:  I have heard it one time too often.  “I don’t need to know about birth control. I am done with that.”  She or he could go on to say “I am too old” or “I’ve had my tubes tied.”  But there are medical conditions for which the best approach today is one of our...

Is herpes a reason to avoid IUD insertion? #407/14

Oct 28, 2014 | IUD

What are the current recommendations for IUDs for women with herpes simplex virus (HSV)?  There is nothing I can find.               To my knowledge herpes simplex virus infections are not a reason to...

How many days after treating Chlamydia could I insert an IUD if she has no florid cervicitis or an active pelvic infection? #701/14

Oct 28, 2014 | IUD

I have a patient who was just recently diagnosed with Chlamydia (CT) at her annual checkup and now wants a Mirena IUD.  How many days after treating Chlamydia would you safely insert an IUD?  I can’t find any literature on how long or if you should...

We are in a monogamous relationship and I have the Mirena IUD. Are condoms necessary? #411/14

Aug 26, 2014 | IUD

I had the Mirena IUD inserted in October of 2013 due to problems with ovarian cysts and unexplained pain.  My boyfriend and I have recently been talking about not using condoms and relying on the Mirena as our only form of birth control.  Both of us are...

What's your most important message about IUDs? #802/14

Aug 15, 2014 | IUD

   IUDs are the most commonly used reversible contraceptive in the world.  (Used extensively in China, Egypt and Eastern Europe and to a lesser extent in Western Europe – northern countries).   1.    Since emergency...