IUD

You want a contraceptive method that’s safe, effective, long-term, and maintenance-free. Dr. David W. Foulk, an award-winning physician and founder of Marion OB/GYN Inc. in Marion, Ohio, offers the latest intrauterine devices (IUDs) — including Skyla®, Paragard®, and Liletta® — so that you can avoid unwanted pregnancy without the need for schedules or continual replacements. If you’re ready for birth control that’s 99% effective and can last for years, contact Dr. Foulk and schedule an IUD consultation. Call us today to make an appointment.

What’s an IUD?

An IUD is a tiny (about 1”), flexible device made of plastic or copper that’s used for long-term birth control. Your Marion OB/GYN Inc. specialist inserts the IUD into your uterus. The IUD thickens your cervical mucus so that sperm cells can’t move properly or live long enough to fertilize your egg.  

IUDs are 99% effective at protecting against pregnancy and can last for at least three years. If you decide you’d like to become pregnant or switch to another contraceptive method, Dr. Foulk or another Marion expert can remove your IUD at any time.

What happens when I get an IUD?

Your OB/GYN specialist only takes a few minutes to place an IUD during a routine office visit. You lie back on the exam table with your feet in the stirrups, while the specialist puts a speculum into your vagina and uses a special inserter to place the IUD.

Within 4-6 weeks, you return for a check-up to be sure the IUD is still in the correct position. After that, your IUD is checked during your annual OB/GYN exams.

What are the advantages of an IUD?

An IUD provides safe, continuous protection against pregnancy and requires minimal maintenance. Some advantages include:

• Convenient (no pills or refills)
• Noninvasive (no injections or surgery)
• Reversible  
• IUDs with hormones decrease menstrual symptoms

Once a month, you check the IUD thread to ensure the device is in place. When your IUD expires, your doctor removes it.

However, even with an IUD, you still have a 1% chance of becoming pregnant and they won’t protect against STDs. You may also suffer symptoms such as bleeding, dizziness, and infection. However, they don't protect against ovarian cysts or tubal pregnancy.

What kinds of IUDs are offered?

Marion Ob/Gyn Inc. offers three types of IUDs:

Skyla

Skyla is an estrogen-free, plastic IUD that releases 13.5 mg of progestin levonorgestrel and is effective for up to three years.

Liletta

Liletta is an estrogen-free, plastic IUD that releases 52 mg of the progestin hormone levonorgestrel. In addition to thickening cervical mucus, Liletta thins the uterine lining and can last for up to five years. Menses may become lighter or may disappear entirely. 

Paragard

Paragard is a hormone-free, copper IUD. Paragard can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. You can also use Paragard as emergency contraception.

Getting an IUD is fast and easy. Call the OB/GYN experts at Marion OB/GYN Inc. for an IUD placement to make an appointment.