IUD

IUD in Tysons Corner, Fairfax, and Vienna

Thankfully, there are many types of contraceptives available for women. One of the most popular forms of contraception is an intrauterine device, commonly known as an IUD.

It is a small, T-shaped device that is placed in the uterus by a women’s health specialist.

How Does an IUD Work for Contraception?

An IUD is a long-acting reversible contraceptive that prevents pregnancy by changing the way sperm moves, preventing fertilization, and making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.

There are two types of IUDs available in the market – hormonal and non-hormonal.

Hormonal IUDs, such as Mirena, release a low dose of progestin, a synthetic hormone, that thickens the cervical mucus and also thins the lining of the uterus. This makes it hard for sperm to reach an egg. Hormonal IUDs last from three to eight years, depending on the one you choose.

The non-hormonal IUD, ParaGard, is wrapped in copper wire, which creates an inflammatory response, which also makes it very difficult for sperm cells to get to an egg. It can last up to 12 years.

What Are the Advantages of an IUD?

There are many benefits to choosing an intrauterine device to help prevent pregnancy. Pros include the following:

• IUDs have a failure rate of less than 1%, making them more effective than other contraceptives.
• Another advantage of an IUD is that it is convenient and long lasting. Once an IUD is inserted, there is no further action required, unlike other forms of birth control that require daily or monthly attention. With a minimum lifespan of three years, you can have it placed and forget about it!
• IUDs are also reversible, and once it is removed, a woman can become pregnant immediately. This means if you wish to start a family, you can do so when you are ready.
• Lastly, IUDs do not interfere with sexual intercourse and do not require any preparations beforehand, so they’re quite convenient.

Where Should I Go for Women’s Health Services Including an IUD in Fairfax, Vienna, and Tysons Corner?

To learn more about your options and choose the right contraceptive for you, choose the women’s health specialists at Virginia Family Medicine.

Call us today at 703-383-4836 to book your appointment, and let our team empower you to make the best possible choices for your reproductive health!

When it comes to comprehensive services for optimal health, we are Northern Virginia’s top choice.