IUD insertion and removal

Taos Whole Health is proud to support you in your family planning goals. Our practice offers in office IUD insertion and removal.

An IUD or intrauterine device is a small T-shaped piece of plastic inserted into the uterus where it remains to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy and the insertion process typically requires fewer than 5 minutes. Clients have the option of a hormonal or copper IUD.
Hormonal IUDs release a miniscule amount of the hormone progestin into the body over the course of years. Progestin mimics progesterone, a hormone naturally produced by the body. The progestin in hormonal IUDs both helps prevent pregnancy and can also provide relief from painful or heavy periods. Hormonal IUDs can remain in place for 3-7 years depending on the hormonal IUD you elect to have inserted.

The copper IUD is a hormone free option that works with the body’s natural inflammatory reaction process. Copper changes the fluids in the fallopian tube and uterus, disrupting the movement of sperm thus preventing pregnancy. The copper IUD can be used as emergency contraception. When inserted within 120 hours (5 days) of having unprotected sex, it’s over 99% effective against pregnancy.
The copper IUD can remain in place for up to 10 years.

IUDs come with a host of big benefits including simple and easy reversibility. Regardless of the length of insertion, fertility returns immediately upon IUD removal. As with insertion, removal typically requires less than 5 minutes. Both hormonal and copper IUDs require no maintenance. They are a long-term birth control solution that provides uninterrupted pregnancy prevention.

Is an IUD the right method of birth control for you?
-IUDs are an appropriate form of birth control regardless of age, or sexual history
-IUDs are safe to use while breastfeeding
-Copper IUDs provide a hormone free option for birth control.
-IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.