IUD Specialist

Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology

OBGYNs located in Fort Worth, TX

An intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most effective and easy-to-manage forms of birth control available. If you’re ready to find out more about this in-demand family planning solution, contact Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology, which has two locations in the Medical District of Fort Worth, Texas. Click on the online scheduler or call the office nearest you to speak with a team member about booking an appointment.

IUD

How does an IUD work?

An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a tiny and flexible T-shaped device. It’s designed to go inside your uterus to change the way sperm travels, so sperm cells cannot reach your eggs. IUDs can either be copper or hormonal.

Copper IUDs are effective at preventing an unwanted pregnancy because sperm don’t like copper. With a copper IUD in place, it’s nearly impossible for sperm to travel up into your fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg. 

Hormonal IUDs contain a hormone called progestin that’s very similar to the hormone progesterone your body produces. These types of IUDs thicken your cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from passing through (mucus acts as a trap). Hormonal IUDs also force your eggs to stay in your ovaries, so sperm has nothing to fertilize. 

What is the effectiveness of an IUD?

An estimated 10% of women choose IUDs as their birth control of choice, often because of the high effectiveness rate. Both copper and hormonal IUDs are over 99% effective at preventing an unwanted pregnancy. In some studies, hormonal IUDs are slightly more effective than copper. 

How long does an IUD last?

IUDs are entirely long-lasting. When you come into Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology for an IUD consultation, your doctor counsels you about the different types of IUDs and helps you select the best options for your family planning needs. 

Copper IUDs can prevent unwanted pregnancy for up to 12 years, while hormonal IUDs can last for three to seven years. 

Is it painful to get an IUD? 

It’s common to feel some minor cramping or pinching while getting an IUD, but you shouldn’t feel any serious pain. 

The compassionate doctors at Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology use very gentle techniques to ensure your IUD procedure — quickly performed right in the office — is as painless as possible. Once an IUD is in place, you won’t be able to feel it, even during sexual intercourse. 

Find out if an IUD is right for you by booking an evaluation at Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology today. Schedule through the website or over the phone with either office.